A New York City panel has cleared the way for construction of a mosque and Islamic community center near Ground Zero. On Tuesday, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to deny landmark status to an old building on the grounds of the proposed site. The plan had come under opposition from right-wing groups, including the Anti-Defamation League. On Tuesday, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised the vote, calling it a victory for religious freedom.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg: “Let us not forget that Muslims were among those murdered on 9/11 and that our Muslim neighbors grieved with us as New Yorkers and as Americans. We would betray our values — and play into our enemies’ hands — if we were to treat Muslims differently than anyone else.”