Tennessee Mosque Finally Opening After Years of Opposition
After two years of lawsuits, vocal opposition and public protests, a new mosque is finally opening its doors in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Opponents have protested the construction of the mosque from the very beginning, some even launching an unsuccessful legal challenge on the grounds that Islam was a false religion. And, last May, a Rutherford County judge almost had construction halted, saying that local officials failed to give proper notice of the building’s approval meeting — a decision that was later overturned by a federal judge.
Today, the mosque will be opening to the public despite the continuing opposition,
much to the delight of supporters. A member of Murfreesboro’s Islamic congregation said, “The supporters are excited, because this shows that the Constitution of the United States stands.” The Anti-Defamation League has also released a statement congratulating the members of the congregation.
The mosque, which will serve as the center of the Islamic community in Murfreesboro, is scheduled to open in time for afternoon prayers later today.
