freedom of religion

Local Muslims Worship in New Mosque

Associated Press — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:39:47 +0000

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) — Muslims in the Tennessee city of Murfreesboro were able to celebrate Friday prayers in a new mosque after more than two years of controversy about the building.

Opponents of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro who sued to try to halt construction were nowhere to be seen. Instead the worship space was filled with smiling men, women and children.

Murfreesboro Mosque Granted Immediate Occupancy

Associated Press — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:17:30 +0000

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro (ICM) will be permitted to occupy its new mosque in time for Ramadan.

WTVF-TV is reporting that a federal judge issued an emergency restraining order Wednesday evening that compels county officials to grant immediate occupancy. The order means that ICM will likely get to celebrate Ramadan beginning Thursday evening in its new facility.

Rutherford County Commission Votes To Challenge Judge's Mosque Ruling

Mike Osborne — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:35:17 +0000

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- The Rutherford County Planning Commission has voted to appeal a court decision that voided their approval of the Murfreesboro Mosque.

The Planning Commission voted 6 to 1 Monday night to challenge Rutherford County Chancellor Robert Corlew’s decision in the case. Corlew ruled May 29 that the Commission failed to provide sufficient public notice for the 2010 meeting at which they approved the mosque’s construction permit.

Mosque Construction Continues as Court Case Looms

Mike Osborne — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:33:01 +0000

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT) -- The Murfreesboro Mosque case returns to the Rutherford County Courthouse Wednesday morning.

Plaintiffs are asking Rutherford County Chancellor Robert Corlew to rescind a building permit awarded nearly two years ago by the county for the construction of a new mosque on Veals Road.

Lenoir City Embroiled in a New State-Religion Issue

AP/WMOT — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:43:03 +0000

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (AP) — Officials of Lenoir City say a patch that includes the word "religion" will remain on police uniforms.