Empire States' owner stands firm on Mother Teresa

Empire State Building owner Anthony Malkin stood by his decision to not light up the iconic building in blue and white to honor what would have been Mother Teresa's 100th birthday, even as city officials Wednesday called for him to change his mind.

According to a statement by Malkin, "The Empire State Building celebrates many cultures and causes in the world community with iconic lightings, and has a tradition of lightings for the religious holidays of Easter, the Muslim holiday Eid ul-Fitr, Hanukkah, and Christmas.

"As a privately owned building, ESB has a specific policy against any other lighting for religious figures or requests by religions and religious organizations," the statement said.

But Wednesday, Mother Teresa supporters and city officials balked at Malkin's explanation, calling it shortsighted in failing to recognize Mother Teresa as a global humanitarian who helped the poor and sick.

"This is a wrong decision and a loss to the city," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn at a news conference. She met with Malkin to try to persuade him to change his mind. "This is an opportunity to remember someone who dedicated her life to the services of others.

"They [Malkin and the Empire State Building officials] are missing the significance of Mother Teresa," she said.

"Mother Teresa is a worldwide symbol of peace and hope," said Councilman Peter F. Vallone Jr. (D-Queens), who along with several other council members submitted a resolution criticizing Malkin's decision.

Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, said the Empire State Building has a record of lighting the building for religious figures and organizations, such as the Salvation Army on its 125th Anniversary and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

Donohue said he wasn't told of the policy when he put in the request for the lighting in February. He said he is planning a demonstration at the Empire State Building on Aug. 26, Mother Teresa's birthday.