Voices rise in favor of moving proposed N.Y. mosque

NEW YORK (AP) — A powerful state politician joined with Gov. David Paterson today in suggesting that Islamic leaders should move a proposed Islamic center and mosque farther from ground zero, saying the organizers should be more sensitive to opponents.

The Cordoba Initiative has the right to build the center at a building two blocks from ground zero but should be open to compromise, said New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, who represents the lower Manhattan district.

"In the spirit of living with others, they should be cognizant of the feelings of others and try to find a location that doesn't engender the deep feelings that currently exist about this site," Silver said.

Critics say the building is too close to where Islamic extremists destroyed the World Trade Center on 2001 and killed nearly 2,800 people. Supporters say religious freedom should be protected.

"I think the sponsors should take into very serious consideration the kind of turmoil that's been created and look to compromise," Silver said.