Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on the latest news release by Empire State Building officials:
They are now saying that they have had a policy in place since August 2006 which “state[s] clearly that we do not accommodate requests for religious figures or requests by religions and religious organizations.” They also say that their guidelines make plain that “all organizations must agree [to this policy] as a condition for submitting an application.”
This is a lie. On April 25, 2009, the tower was aglow in blue and white in recognition of the Salesian Sisters, an order of Roman Catholic nuns.
Here is further proof. When I submitted my application on February 2, there was no such guideline that I had to agree to up front. Indeed, if there had been such a rule, I would never have bothered to fill out the application. No, this “policy” is being made up now because they are on the run. To read the evidence, click here to see my application.
So they not only refuse to honor Mother Teresa, they are lying about their indefensible decision. Hence, the demonstration will go forward on August 26, right outside the Empire State Building.
Contact Daniel Hernandez, the PR genius for the Empire State Building: daniel.hernandez@edelman.com