Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is the latest high-profile national political figure to come out against the proposed mosque near Ground Zero.
Gingrich, who recently said he was “serious” about running for President in 2012, made the statement on his website.
“The time for double standards that allow Islamists to behave aggressively toward us while they demand our weakness and submission is over,” Gingrich wrote.
“America is experiencing an Islamist cultural-political offensive designed to undermine and destroy our civilization.”
“The Cordoba House” is a project from a non-profit Muslim organization. Recently renamed Park51, for the address, the building is intended to be an 13-story, multi-faceted community center, which will also house a mosque.
The Cordoba Initiative, who purchased the property for $4 million, says it will promote tolerance, and reflect the diversity of New York City.
Opponents of Park51 see it differently, and some prominent Republicans have joined their cause.
Rick Lazio, potential Republican gubernatorial candidate, and Rep. Peter King have called for an investigation into the financing of the project.
Carl Paladino, Lazio’s republican rival, has said he would use the power of eminent domain to stop the construction of the mosque and instead make a war memorial.
Sarah Palin, one of Gingrich’s potential 2012 challengers, most recently voiced concern for the project over Twitter.
“Peace-seeking Muslims, pls understand, Ground Zero mosque is UNNECESSARY provocation; it stabs hearts,” she wrote. “Pls reject it in interest of healing.”
A community board in lower Manhattan voted overwhelming in support of the building in May.