Murfreesboro Mosque Controversy Continues to Simmer

Despite construction moving ahead, the debate over an Islamic center in Murfreesboro continues to simmer. Rutherford County Commissioners got an earful from both sides Thursday night, even though there was nothing for them to decide.

22-year-old Layla Hantouli made one of the more impassioned pleas of the night, calling for civility.

“Let me ask you, when you can’t even go down the street and you can’t even walk around outside with a head scarf without someone yelling at you to go home, who is the terrorist?”

Other supporters of the mosque said they were embarrassed because their community has come off as intolerant and attracted national media attention.
Beverly Davis came to hear the arguments for acceptance but left shaking her head.

“I understand. I use to be all for peace, love, happiness, coexisting, all that. And I would still love that. I have nothing against that. But I don’t believe that this is what’s going on here. The Muslim religion is not coming here to coexist. They’re coming here to take over.”

Opponents have dominated recent public comment periods, but only one went to the mic Thursday night. He argued that welcoming Muslims will lead to the local rule of Sharia Law.

While the necessary zoning and permits are in place, opponents are continuing to pressure county officials to rescind the original decision allowing the mosque to be built.