WPIX NEWSROOM

2:27 p.m. EDT, June 9, 2010
NEW YORK (WPIX)—
Local officials are still holding on to some faith after the owners of the Empire State Building denied the Catholic League's request to commemorate Mother Teresa's 100th birthday by lighting the iconic building up in blue and white lights.

Among those stunned by the un-saintly shutout was City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. Quinn, who is openly gay and typically doesn't share the same beliefs as the ultra-conservative group, said she wants an explanation.

She reached out to Empire State building ownership last week after learning from another Council member that the lighting application had been denied. Quinn asked the owners to reevaluate their decision and did her best in trying to persuade them in honoring Mother Teresa who would have been 100 years old on Aug. 26.

Owners of the iconic building have since revealed why they are not budging: it doesn't light up for religious figures.

In a statement released to PIX 11 News Wednesday, Anthony E. Malkin - head of Malkin Holdings, the company that owns the building - said the building celebrates many cultures and causes in the world but when it comes down to religion, that's where the buck stops.

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

City Councilman Peter Vallone introduced a bill Wednesday requesting that the building to illuminate in honor of modern-day saint on behalf of the City.

"She deserves better. She's one of the greatest women history has ever known," he said.

In addition, the Empire State Building Lighting Partners have been slammed with thousands of petitions from others outraged over the issue.