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Mark Humphrey / AP
The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro is under construction in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Updated at 7:30 p.m. ET: Construction work continued on a Murfreesboro, Tenn., mosque Wednesday despite a judge’s ruling a day earlier voiding building permits for the controversial project.
Chancellor Robert Corlew III of the 16th District Chancery Court ruled that construction must cease because not enough notice was given about a May 24, 2010, public meeting in which Rutherford County planning commissioners approved the site plan for the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro.
"This is Sharia law," Joe Brandon, plaintiffs’ attorney, said of construction continuing without a valid permit. "They’re thumbing their nose at the state of Tennessee."
Brandon lodged an order Wednesday at the Chancery Court asking that construction at the mosque be stopped completely.
The county had not issued a stop work order by the end of Wednesday, Brandon said.
"If it were you or I, they'd be out there and stop us," Brandon charged. "The county attorney needs to man up and tell them to stop."
Corlew ruled in favor of Kevin Fisher and other Rutherford County residents who sued the Planning Commission. The mosque is free to reapply for permits, he said.
"It's a good day for the plaintiffs; I'm very pleased with the outcome," plaintiff Henry Golcyznky said, adding he was somewhat surprised Corlew ruled in the plaintiffs' favor.
See the original story on NBC Station WSMV of Nashville, Tenn.
"There should have been public notice. People should have been allowed to come in and express or at least understand what was going on," Golcyznky said.
A public notice about the 2010 Planning Commission meeting, in which no public hearing was required over the mosque’s site plan, was published in the twice-weekly Murfreesboro Post, which has a contract to handle Rutherford County’s legal advertising.
Islamic Center members said they hoped to complete the first phase of the mosque by Ramadan, a month-long Muslim holiday beginning this year on July 20, based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
"This decision comes at a crucial time, because we were at a point about to celebrate the opening of our center. which we were hoping to happen, probably within two to three months. It's a sad day in our community," said mosque member Saleh Sbenaty.
Construction of the $2 million, 52,000-square-foot mosque is well under way, with the first phase, a 12,000-square-foot building, nearly complete.
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The mosque was not a party in the lawsuit.
"We really don't know the implications of the ruling that the judge came with. We're still in contact with our legal counsel. ... We're going to see what the next step is going to be," Sbenaty said
If the mosque officials must reapply for permits, then they will, he said.
A construction crew was at the mosque site Wednesday.
"The decision of the court will not be final at the earliest until 30 days after a court order is filed, county attorney Jim Cope said. "Therefore, things will remain in a fluid state during the next several weeks until the parties, ICM, and the court address all the legal issues that remain pending and unresolved."
The judge's ruling drew nationwide attention.
Council on American-Islamic Relations called for the Department of Justice to intervene in the case if the county doesn't issue new building permits to "protect the religious rights of Tennessee Muslims."
CAIR said the judge’s ruling “used phrases and reasoning which could be viewed as indicating that a higher degree of public notice is required for issues related to Tennessee Muslims.”
Earlier story at NBC station WSMV of Nashville, Tenn.
"American Muslim constitutional rights should not be diminished merely because anti-Muslim bigots are able to manufacture a controversy about what would otherwise be normal religious activities," said CAIR attorney Gadeir Abbas.
"If the Rutherford County Planning Commission does not immediately issue new permits for the mosque, we urge the Department of Justice to intervene in this case to support the religious rights of Tennessee Muslims."
Mosque opponents have fought construction for two years, arguing that Islam is not a real religion deserving of First Amendment protections and that the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro has terrorist ties.
The judge dismissed those allegations but held the trial on the narrower claim that the public meeting law was violated.
Larry Flowers is a reporter at NBC station WSMV of Nashville, Tenn.
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So people who attend these cults that promote ignorance, intolerance, judgement and violence that originated in the middle east want to stop another cult that promotes promote ignorance, intolerance, judgement and violence that originated in the middle east from constructing a building?
I would like to know the funding source of this multi-million dollar building. They have us over our own barrel. They have the right in the US to practice their religion anyway they wish. Freedom of religion is what they thrive on here. We are in a real pickle here folks.
Not enough notice. Right. No amount of notice would've been enough there. Hope they're right humiliated when this is overturned.
Death to Worshippers of the cross and the Zionist Entity! This isn't about religion it is about allowing a cult which hates America to establish a foothold here in the USA. It has already happened elsewhere in the states. It should be opposed wherever possible.
Oh man, loosen up that tin foil hat, it's on too tight.
Christianity is a cult, is dangerous and violent. Outlaw Christianity altogether.
Freedumb, nice addition to the scare tactic. Christians are the most dangerous religion. Tax or ban Christianity.
I don't necessarily disagree. But Muslims in the US are typically educated (at least literate) and far more moderate than what you find in the middle east. Sure one or two crazies get through, but in the US I'm far more afraid of the christian right than any threat from American Muslims.
The same things that you accuse the Muslim Imans of are the very same things that Christian priests and ministers do. They interpret the holy scripture in ways for their congregations to understand their slant on what was written.
All religions are cults, since they require brainwashing from a very young age. Does having more people in it make it less of a cult? Regardless, anyone who believes in freedom and the U.S. Constitution supports the right to build a mosque, temple or church and to pray however anyone wants to.
Attacking Muslims is the 21st century version of attacking Jews.
Also true
It's no different than building a Christian Church. I say built it and thumb their nose at the racist Christians/GOP Supporters. And to add, Christianity is the most dangerous religion in the world. I say tax the hell out of ALL Churches. They are all a scam and cults.
then double the taxes on them. Take all their money and use it repair roads and bridges.
Yes, everyone against this mosque was Christian or a registered member of the GOP. Let's just jump to conclusions.
There couldn't possibly be registered Democrats in TN that were against the mosque.
Do you guys realize how ridiculous your argument sounds when TN is an almost even split between registered D and R voters?
If anger is what gets you through your day.
Who needs a permit, when you have Hussein Zero's union thugs doing the building and contributing to his campaign?
Keep drinking that punch they are giving you. Seems to really highlight your paranoid attitude.
When are people in this country going to wake up and realize that Muslims only honor the laws of their host countries when it's convenient? They view their holy law as trumping all, and if anyone doens't like it, too bad. Building this mosque is a perfect example. Tennessee law may well as not exist... the law was broken by not properly obtaining a permit, and it's being broken again by the ignoring of the cease and desist order. Ah, but if anyone complains, the racism card is played. Wake up, people, before this country becomes a clone of the middle east - and you women out there, this applies to you more than anyone. Unless, of course, you'd prefer having no rights whatsoever, which is how it is in the Muslim world.
When will you wake up and realize that we practice freedom for OUR OWN sake. If "other" (actually americans just like you) "take advantage" then that is great. We need more freedom not less.
I defend freedom for me. I defend Muslim's freedoms because they are also my freedoms. You take them away from Muslims, who will stop you from trying to take them away from me?
What color is the sky in your world?
Maybe you should wake up and realize that you are an ignorant bigot who doesn't know what the hell you're talking about. You may love being a fool but don't include the rest of us.
Jews are funny. Because they're not allowed to eat pork.
And since we're getting all buddy-buddy with the Muslims, how about we build a nice, friendly Baptist church right there in Mecca?
So we should reduce our freedom because they live in tyranny?
Their freedom to worship is MY freedom too. I defend it because I want my home country to be free for all people, not just those you find worthy.
So...that's a "no" to the Baptist church, then?
Seeing that Mecca is in Saudi Arabia you'd better clear it with them first. Or you could ask "W" Bush. He's on kissing terms with the Saudi prince.
Oh we can do that. Whatever paperwork they need us to file.
I'm just trying to explain to our Muslim friends and those real, patriotic Americans who so admirably defend our great Constitution, why there might be the leeeeeeast amount of animosity towards the building of a mosque in say, Murfreesboro Tennessee or near the former World Trade Center because for one thing, a Baptist church would not be afforded the same, out-of-place welcoming committee and generous constitutional advantages in say, Saudi Arabia.
No I wouldn't dream of being someone who judges who is worthy and who is not. Just trying to paint a clear picture of a world that is growing more connected and if one country, for example expects a certain treatment from another country, perhaps they might, you know, consider maybe providing the same.
So...yeah, just trying to explain the ever so slight, tiny amount of eye rolling at the choice of location and the reason people there may feel slighted due to the imbalance of...alright I'm gonna go have a cookie. Got to fuel up while I can. The Ramadan's coming. And I ain't got a thing to wear. Got to clean up the tractor, have the wife mend them holes in muh good overalls and freshen up on that Qrain pamphlet.
This is a good example of Muslims ignoring our laws and following their own laws.
So only you right wingers are allowed to pick and choose what laws you're going to follow?
If you are in the US you follow US law.
They scream sharia Law then ask for the Department of Justice to step in? They can't have it both ways. In the United States you have to follow the DOJ. Why would the DOJ step in for a COUNTY situation anyway? Just because muslims called they are supposed to come running? Really?
Because the DOJ has jurisdiction over civil rights issues. For an american you sure don't know how our legal system works.
They scream Sharia Law? I must have missed that part of the article. You people love making things up to fit your agenda.
They were following the law (US Law). It's the racist who are throwing a fit. Lot's of construction projects continue after the permit runs into trouble. So no need to pump up the situation to hype your paranoid and intolerant Christan/GOP/Racist views.
@whatthefhappened:
Reallly? with the Christian/GOP/racist views?
Were all the people against the mosque in Manhattan fitting of that description? Could there have been Democrats/Jewish/Atheists that were against it?
You seem to be bent on propagating the notion that everyone against mosques and islam fit your narrow minded view of American politics.
Harry, I'm calling out the racist I know exist in this country. I know exactly what and whom I'm talking about. Have you ever been the target of racism? I have. By an 8th grade class and the teacher himself. The school was all White with one Black student who stayed in the main office because of the racist taunts, my sister and I. I've witnessed all kinds of racism by White Christians in my time. I know exactly whom I'm talking about and it's not Jewish, Muslim or Athiests. It's White Christian Conservatives who are using race as a weapon. The hatred, fear and intolerance they are praying off. Are you one of them Harry?
A mosque in Tennessee? I don't imagine this building will be long for this world.....
This is about bigot's that are screaming "sharia Law" to scare all the faux noise bot's.
If you believe in religious freedom, this goes to all religion's not just so called Christians!!!!!
hummbird, Freedum is not worth your time or effort. He's a complete GOP/Racist/Paranoid cult believer. They argue for their cause and propably dont' have a clue as to what they are arguing. They just follow blindly.
" This is Sharia law, Joe Brandon " and this guy is a lawyer ?
WHAT AN ASS !!
Can we knock down a few christian churches while we are at it? i am not muslim i'm actually atheist and just think the idea of religion in asinine, yup.
at least an apple/windows split is one in which i feel passionate enough about to take sides.
"American Muslim constitutional rights should not be diminished merely because anti-Muslim bigots are able to manufacture a controversy about what would otherwise be normal religious activities"
=LIKE
My family is on the watch list because I am a military family and I still have a voice!!!! The state of tennesse doesn't stand chance in blue blazes of stopping this, should have stopped it before it was given permission. Its and always be a cult. Please refer to Teddy Roosevelt 1907 ideas on immgriation "in good faith to become an American, becoming in every facet an AMERICAN - NO divided allegiance, ONE Flag AMERICAN flag, ONe language english, room for ONE loyalty , loyality to the AMERICAN PEOPLE." It way pass time for the american people to vote all out and STAND UP what you have and will continue to lose more and more of that so call freedom. The politicans are a joke. The so call President has no right in the white house , why has he spent so much money on lawyers to stop the birth certifcate problem ? What do you have to hid? As a senator he once told meet the press sept 07 2008 11:48 est " paraphase" It is my intention if elected, to disarmed America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethan, and the reason my wife and I disrepect the American Flag is if American conduct ourselves like the nation of Islam where peace prevails we would have change of heart. An now that I am to become president We will set aside our hatred for the better of the country. Change is about to overwhelm the USA. Too bad he didn't use this in his speeches when he was running. So the question is for ALL americans are you willing to STAND up for America before they overrun us? Tennessee may be the front line soon real soon Or maybe its too late the mosque in New York City near Ground Zero? Think Folks it may be too late.....
Tennessee? The frontline?
Bwahahahahahahahah! hahahahahah!
Jebuz, I haven't laughed so hard in a loooong time. Thank you.
As for the rest of your drivel, it appears you are saying that Americans should only be loyal to their country and not their religion? Good luck weeding the Christianists out of the south...
Try to tell that to Rick Santorum
baja5b - you are part of the problem - NOT the solution. Laugh now while you still can.
What is WRONG with "in good faith to become an American, becoming in every facet an AMERICAN - NO divided allegiance, ONE Flag AMERICAN flag, One language English, room for ONE loyalty , loyalty to the AMERICAN PEOPLE."? After all this is the United States of AMERICA.
What, pray tell, is the problem, Texas grace? Please spell it out.
What you describe is nationalism. It is not good. In a free country we must be free to be loyal to various interests at many levels. I can be loyal to my family, loyal to my god should I have one, loyal to my country, and loyal to my ideals. There is nothing wrong with divided loyalties. It is a large part of what separates free places like the US from un-free places like North Korea (where the only loyalty allowed is loyalty to the state).
I'll be laughing at sheep like you all the way to my grave.
Will these stupid inbreed morons give it a rest? We have religious freedom in this country and are governed by constitutional law. To have this fool of an attorney call it Sharia Law is an insult to the intelligence of the American public. Bigots will always find something or someone that they hate. The mosque has every right to be where its members are building irregardless of whether or not some tobacco chewing idiot agrees with it or not.
THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MANY OBJECTIVE OBSERVERS MIND THAT REPUBLICANS AND THEIR CO-OPERATORS IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, INCLUDING ROMNEY AND JOHN ROBERTS SUPREME POLITICAL COURT, WANT TO MANUFACTURE A CRISIS OF HUGE PROPORTIONS, INCLUDING A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS SO THAT THEIR APOCALYPTIC "WHITE HORSE" WOULD THEN INTERVENE TO "SET THINGS RIGHT" IN THEIR FAVOR. The result will be unimaginable pain for everyone, only sane heads prevail now in the true national interest of all Americans. Even now, Romney just pronounced his devious calculation with a glee: he doesn't mind winning his 50.1% with help from the most hateful, most racist groups and individuals in this country. His,and Republican desperation to get power knows no bounds, no upper limits of behavior! SHAMEFUL!
Its apparent from this post that you believe Objective is a synonym for absolutely insane.
Dear space aliens,
Could you please visit Earth? We need to get rid of these pesky religions once and for all. We just need some proof of real intelligent life. Not some invisible people and crackpot stories told by some priest or pastor.
Kris, Sarah, like the way you both express yourselves, I agree that these bigots, or whatever you want to call them, only believe religious fredom is for Christian's and that it only applies to them.........I'm not religious, spiritual maybe, (native american style) but I'm getting pretty sick of their BS......I think there are to many folds in their tinhats or the pressure release buttons are stuck. ....anyway these people have the same rights as any other religious groups to build their mosque.......hope it gets completed sooner than later.....you two keep giving them sh!t!!!!.....lol
To be honest with you I am more afraid and truly believe that white supremacist with their hate are more of a terrorist threat then anyone else....our country has such an awful and disgusting legacy of bigotry, violence, and racism...this is truly nauseating...
I agree totally!! White people have done a really bad job being everything to everybody. The all purpose villains should quit and let the intelligent people take the lead and show us how they did it in their country...that they left... to come here... with the racist whites..??
He wasn't talking about all white people, just the white supremacists.
The builder has no permit now. If the builder continues work on the buildings without a permit then the builder will in most states have his contractor's license revoked.
The owner must stop work, it's too bad, but committing a crime is no way to fix a screw up, and it would be a crime to act in contempt of a judge's order or even the intentions of a judge who voids a permit but doesn't specifically say, "stop work".
This whole thing could be in court for years.
It is on the Owners (in this case, the church body) to hire lawyers if they choose to try and have this judge over-ruled, or at least hire land use consultants to try to get a permit instated.
It sounds like the Planning Commission screwed up not going through a normal process of notifications about public meetings, etc. Perhaps the proponents for the permit were in a big hurry and suckered some jurisdictional staff person to waive a proper notification process.
Sharia law has no bearing in America.
Don't worry. They'll get their building permit. The opponents haven't given any reason that mosque should not be built.
"Not a real religion"??
Seriously? The government can't make that determination. It's unconstitutional. All religions rely on "faith" with zero actual evidence that any of their dogma are actually true, it's impossible for anyone to make that judgement, and it's illegal for the government to make that judgement.
I want a totem pole in city hall, right next to the Ten Commandments.
They have the right to worship as they see fit I worship chickens- eatem all the time and if I want to build a chicken coop no bible thumper should be able to tell me I can't
odb2
Try building a chicken coop in Beacon Hill in the Boston area and see how far you get with that project.
Just look at the votes for comments. The Repubilcan Racist Christians only have one vote and they cast it them. They are that insane with hate. So, It's just a matter of time before they start to accuse the voting as a conspiracy against themselves, Christianity and the Republicans.
well said...that is the truth of the matter
themselves*
RADICAL REPUBLICANS AND THEIR ALLIES IN THE COURT WANT TO CREATE A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS IN THIS COUNTRY.
THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MANY OBJECTIVE OBSERVERS MIND THAT REPUBLICANS AND THEIR CO-OPERATORS IN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, INCLUDING ROMNEY AND JOHN ROBERTS SUPREME POLITICAL COURT, WANT TO MANUFACTURE A CRISIS OF HUGE PROPORTIONS, INCLUDING A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS SO THAT THEIR APOCALYPTIC "WHITE HORSE" WOULD THEN INTERVENE TO "SET THINGS RIGHT" IN THEIR FAVOR. I PRAY THIS NEVER HAPPENS. IF IT HAPPENS, the result will be unimaginable and prolonged pain for everyone unless sane heads prevail now in the true national interest of all Americans. Even now, Romney just pronounced (May 29) his devious calculations with a glee: he doesn't mind winning his 50.1% with help from the most hateful, most racist groups and individuals in this country. Florida, the State of “hanging chad,” may again be a place of big contention: Rock Scott is sparing no sleep thinking of how to rig the elections in November in favor of Republicans. The desperation of people like Scott, Romney, Gingrich, Boehner, Paul Ryan, Dolan, the Koch Brothers, Edelson, and others like them knows no bounds. The goal is simply power for its own sake. The quest for it for these folks knows no upper limits of behavior! They are using scotch earth tactics against women, minority religious groups, blacks, Latinos, young people, the elderly,the poor, the downtrodden, gays, Lesbians, unions, advocacy organizations like Planned Parenthood. SHAMEFUL!