Long Island Wins recently reported about the closing of a mosque in Bethpage, NY, which came amid the contentious debate over a planned mosque and community center near Ground Zero in Manhattan.

The story raised the possibility that anti-Islamic sentiment among Bethpage residents may have fueled the Town of Oyster Bay’s decision to inspect the building that houses the mosque, which town officials subsequently closed.

Instances like these show us that we need to publicly espouse the right of every person to worship as he or she pleases.

On Friday, September 10, NYC-area residents will gather at Church and Park streets to show their support for freedom of religion, regardless of creed. If you can't make it to the vigil, show your support by signing this petition.