NY Muslim groups decry hostile atmosphere

NEW YORK (AP) — More than 50 leaders of Muslim organizations in New York City are defending plans by developers to build an Islamic community center near ground zero.

Members of the Islamic Leadership Council of Metropolitan New York gathered on the steps of City Hall Wednesday to call for a stop to religious intolerance.

They said the notion that Muslims shouldn’t gather or pray near the 9/11 site is “unethical, insensitive and inhumane.”

The group was joined by supporters including U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel.