Protesters rally against, for planned Islamic center in New York

Police in New York on Sunday separate demonstrators on opposite sides of the controversy about a planned Islamic center

story by CNN

With chants and banners, protesters against the construction of an Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero faced off on Sunday with protesters in favor of the facility.

Hundreds of critics and supporters of the proposed center in New York showed up despite an overcast and drizzly sky to express their views amid the national debate over the facility.

Police estimated that by 11:30 a.m. supporters of the center numbered up to 250, and critics numbered about 450.

A banner on the anti-center side said, "Land of the free. Stop sharia before it stops you." Another sign read, "No mosque here. Preserve the dignity of our loved ones killed on 9/11."

Those in favor of the constructions said freedom of religion was the main issue in the debate.

"I am hoping there will be a more thoughtful discussion and that people realize it is just wrong -- it is un-American -- to paint an entire religion by the action of a few extremists," one supporter said.

At the conclusion of the protest, those opposed to the construction marched by ground zero.

The Islamic center's leaders say the $100 million facility calls for a community center including a mosque, performing arts center, gym, swimming pool and other public spaces.

It will be built near where the World Trade Center was destroyed by Islamic extremists on September 11, 2001. The attacks killed more than 2,700 people.

Some New Yorkers say an Islamic center near the site is a painful affront.

The Coalition to Honor Ground Zero was organizing the rally against the construction of the center. The NYC Coalition to Stop Islamophobia staged the counter-protest.

Firefighters, families of the September 11 victims, first responders and residents of the neighborhood will join the protests, organizers of the anti-center protest said on their website.

Plans to build the center near the site have stirred emotions nationwide. A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll released earlier this month marked nationwide opposition to the proposed facility at 68 percent.

"What that tells me is the wounds of 9/11 haven't healed, and I think if they haven't, perhaps we can find ways to bring about that healing by perhaps creating a situation where people will feel more comfortable," New York Gov. David Paterson said last week.

Paterson said there is no local, state or federal statute that prevents the construction of the facility.

On Sunday, Daisy Khan, who is heading the development of the project with her husband, said moving the project to another site is not under consideration for now.

She added that a move could be considered after consultations with "all major stakeholders."

"We have to be very careful and deliberate in making any move," Khan said.