Mosque controversy will define us

On the eve of the 9/11 terrorist attacks' ninth anniversary, the controversy over locating a mosque near ground zero in New York City shows that we must stand for fundamental freedoms even as we encourage their responsible exercise.

The free exercise of religion is the first right in the First Amendment. Most people on this planet will never have this right, and it is an indelible part of America's heritage of liberty. Most of the time, this right of conscience and worship is simply part of the rhythm of American life. But then conflicts occur that force us deliberately to consider, and hopefully to reaffirm, the freedom that otherwise runs in the background. Only if that freedom is kept strong will it be there when we need it.

A decade ago, for example, residents of Belmont, Mass., opposed the construction of a temple by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and later the addition of a steeple atop the temple. Ultimately, the courts affirmed the church's right both to build the temple and to include the steeple, along with the statue of the angel Moroni. Mormons in Massachusetts had this freedom because others before them had defended it. In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended the opening of the Islamic Center in Washington, D.C. He said: "America would fight with her whole strength for your right to have here your own church and worship according to your own conscience. This concept is indeed a part of America, and without that concept we would be something else than what we are."

At the same time, with every right comes responsibility. Having a right does not make every exercise of it the right thing to do. Which brings us to the mosque controversy in New York. The 9/11 terrorist attacks were unique in their impact on America and how Americans live and see the world. Most challenges we have faced as a nation pale in comparison. That fact shapes the way the free exercise of religion is implemented in this case, where emotions remain charged even after nine years.

Ground zero, after all, is not just another location, it is also a symbol. Some say that objective arguments about constitutional rights must be tempered by the impact of putting a mosque in this particular location on the families of 9/11 victims, the community, and the nation. I find it hard to believe that people of good will cannot work out a responsible solution that respects such concerns while preserving our fundamental freedom to practice religion.

In June 2007, President George W. Bush, who led America in dealing with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, spoke at the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Center of Washington. He said: "Moments like this dedication help clarify who Americans are as a people, and what we wish for the world." So will the resolution of this conflict over the ground zero mosque.

Orrin Hatch, a Republican, is the senior senator from Utah.