Thursday, July 19, 2012

Bitter Fight Over Tennessee Mosque Isn't Over


A federal court attempted to put to rest Wednesday a two-year-long bitter battle in Rutherford County, Tenn., between a small group who opposed the building of a 6,800-square-foot mosque, and the Muslim residents who hoped to worship there.

Just hours before the start of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan, which begins at sundown Thursday night, a federal district court judge ruled the state must allow the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro to complete its inspection process, and that the mosque will be able to open its doors soon. In a statement, the mosque said it hopes to open within 10 days. A state ruling had earlier blocked the mosque from opening.

But Murfreesboro attorney Joe Brandon, who has for two years represented residents opposed to the mosque, says the fight is far from over.

"We're exploring our options ... and a possible new lawsuit," says Brandon, who added the suit could focus on the mosque's "terror risk" to Murfreesboro. Read more

Related:
Tennessee mosque won't be ready to open for Ramadan's start
Tenn. mosque unready for Ramadan due to lawsuit delays
The NY Daily News article, "Tennessee mosque won't be ready to open for Ramadan's start," had a faulty link. It has been corrected.

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