by Nick Beres
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Opponents of a new Islamic Center in Rutherford County have filed a civil lawsuit challenging the project.
For months, they've threatened to take legal action and now the issue will go before a Chancery court judge.
The center is already underway on Veals Road south of Murfreesboro with full approval from the Rutherford County commission.
The project did slow after someone set one piece of heavy equipment on fire last month. But work is once again moving forward.
Attorney Joe Brandon filed the lawsuit which he said asks a judge to consider two challenges.
First, the lawsuit contends the county violated state open meeting laws by not properly notifying residents and allowing comment about he project before granting permits for construction.
Second there's a constitutional challenge alleging the mosque would provide a forum for radical Islam and endanger the community. This challenge mirrors a similar lawsuit already filed in New York City challenging the Ground Zero mosque project.
"All we want is a fair chance to voice our concerns before the county commission," said Brandon, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of opponents of the mosque.
Email: nberes@newschannel5.com
