Ground Zero mosque advertisement sparks controversy

The Transit agency responsible for all advertising within the New York public transport system has approved a controversial ad opposing the building of a mosque near Ground Zero, the site of the terrorist attacks which occurred on September 11, 2001.

The ad, which shows the 'Two Towers' burning alongside a rendering of the proposed Islamic Centre, was paid for by the American Freedom Defense Initiative, a group that opposes Islamic advancement in the United States.

Transit Agency officials were sued by the group before they would approve the ad. MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz says the agency doesn't endorse the ad's views.