GCIS INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING: In Tennessee, supporting Shariah law may soon be a felony

ISSUED BY: GCIS Communications Command Center

SOURCE: HSNW

03March2011 8:58amEST

GCIS INTELLIGENCE UPDATE: A Republican lawmaker in Tennessee will continue advocating proposed legislation that would make it a felony in the state to knowingly support Shariah law despite criticism that the “shocking” bill is bigoted, he told FoxNews.com.

State Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) said the bill, S.B. 1028, will be amended to allow the “peaceful practice” of Islam. He rejected calls to withdraw the legislation following a news conference on Tuesday held by several civil rights and interfaith groups denouncing the proposal. “[The bill] does not outlaw or in any way punish or target the peaceful practice of Islam,” Ketron told FoxNews.com on Wednesday. “It targets those terrorist Shariah organizations, those who are extremists. It has nothing to do with how they worship.”

Fox News reports that the bill, if passed, would allow the state’s attorney general to designate an entity as a Shariah organization if the organization knowingly adheres to Shariah; if the organization “engages in, or retains the capability and intent to engage in” an act of terrorism; or if the act of terrorism of the organization “threatens the security of public safety” of Tennessee residents. (read full report)

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