Video: Tennessee Bill Would Make Following Sharia a Felony (CAIR) - YouTube CAIRtv

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A growing debate on Capitol Hill over a bill that would make it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Sharia. People from all faiths protested at Legislative Plaza on Tuesday. They are calling for bill sponsor, state Senator Bill Ketron, to drop what they call an "Anti-Muslim Bill." The bill represents the boldest legislative attempt yet to limit how Muslims worship. Senator Bill Ketron said the legislation would stop "homegrown terrorism" at it's earliest point. Lawmakers Try To Make Islamic Law Illegal He believes there are Muslim extremists who interpret Sharia law as a license to commit terrorist acts, and that's why he wants to make it a felony. "There are some who take Sharia law to the extreme. We want to protect those people who are passive, but for those who make it on the extreme part we want to be able to identify those who want to create the jihad against our citizens of Tennessee," said Sen. Ketron. Opponents of the bill said Sharia law basically teaches them to follow their Muslim faith, so outlawing it would be ridiculous! They said there's no reason to make it a felony, simply because Shariah law gives them direction on a daily basis on how to practice their religion. "It's simply an unnecessary piece of legislation. We all live and abide by the same secular laws of the land, and no religious or faith law changes that, or exempts any believe of those secular laws," said Rev. Dan Rosemergy with the Interfaith Alliance. "Unjust legislation against any religion is an assault on us all," said Father Joseph Breen. The bill was drawn up by conservatives with ties to opponents of a planned Islamic center two blocks from New York City's ground zero and efforts to expand a mosque 30 miles southeast of Nashville. Senator Ketron said he has no plans to stop the bill. He has filed this bill, but so far it hasn't been up for debate yet in any committees. It could face steep constitutional hurdles if enacted. The ACLU has already issued a statement condemning the bill. Meanwhile, The Muslim Student Association at MTSU will host "Sharia Law 101" this week. It will be Thursday night at 6 p.m. in the Tennessee Room of the James Union Building. It's free and open to the public. Online: Read SB1028/HB1353 at: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/

Video: Tennessee Bill Would Make Following Sharia a Felony (CAIR) - YouTube
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