Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Murfreesboro is a city of 108,755 residents in the state of Tennessee. It is notable for being the site of a controversy regarding the construction of a Muslim mosque in the community.

It is also the home of The Sword of the Lord, an influential Independent Baptist publication.

Mosque Controversy

In May 2010, the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro obtained permission from Rutherford County to construct a 6,800 sq. ft. mosque and Islamic center. Members of the Murfreesboro community have opposed construction of the mosque, staging demonstrations and expressing fears ranging from the mosque being used to train Islamic terrorists to the center aiding in the spread of Sharia law in the United States. In opposing the mosque, some community members, as well as Tennessee Lieutenant Governor (and 2010 gubernatorial candidate) Ron Ramsey, have pointed out that Islam may not be a religion protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The Islamic Center's website claims that the organization's vision is "to join our neighbors and friends of all religious backgrounds, standing in unity to make a difference in this world."

As of July 2011, construction of the mosque is stalled for lack of contractors but legally they are still permitted to build. However, 17 Murfreesboro citizens have filed a lawsuit to block construction of the mosque. This lawsuit is not based on religion but rather on the fact that residents were not given proper notification by Rutherford County about hearings for the site plan.

Herman Cain, a candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, has come to the defense of Murfreesboro citizens who do not wish for a mosque to be built in their community.

See also

Ground Zero Mosque

Islamism