Muslim-born Miss USA opposes NYC mosque

First Muslim winner of prestigious beauty contest says Islamic center should not be so close to Ground Zero. 'We should be more concerned with the tragedy than religion,' she says

Ynet|Published: 08.21.10 , 11:13

Rima Fakih, the first Muslim winner of the Miss USA contest said she opposes the building of a mosque so near to Ground Zero, the New York Post reported Saturday.

Fakih, daughter of Lebanese immigrants, said she has respect for freedom of religion but feels the mosque should not be built so close to the site of the September 11 attacks.

"I totally agree with President Obama with the statement on Constitutional rights of freedom of religion," she said. "I also agree that it shouldn't be so close to the World Trade Center. We should be more concerned with the tragedy than religion," she added.

Fakih recently told a Detroit newspaper that she fasts during the month of Ramadan despite preparations towards the Miss Universe Pageant.

According to recent polls, most New Yorkers oppose the establishment of a mosque near Ground Zero claiming the act offends the memory of the September 11 attack victims.

Liberal elements including New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg expressed support of the move citing Muslims' rights for freedom of religion.