Islamophobia

Most Americans Oppose Islamic Center

Two-thirds say Ground Zero location is insensitive.

Two-thirds of Americans oppose the building of an Islamic community center two blocks from Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan, and 82 percent of those who oppose the Park51 project do so because of its location. Nine percent of all Americans—and 14 percent of those who oppose the center—oppose its construction anywhere in the U.S. The poll, conducted by The Washington Post and ABC News, found that 49 percent of Americans have unfavorable views of the Islamic faith, while only 37 percent have a favorable view. That’s the most negative divide if Americans’ views on Islam since the pollsters started asking that question in October 2001. About 53 of Democrats oppose the Cordoba House, and 83 percent of Republicans do so. Since 9/11, the percentage of Republicans with negative views of Islam has grown from 42 percent to 67 percent.