By Angela Hatton
Nashville, TN – Sponsors of Tennessee legislation to make it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah, now propose an amendment that strips any reference to a specific religion. The proposal outraged Muslims who said it was too broad. They were concerned it would outlaw central tenets of Islam, such as praying five times a day toward Mecca. Senate sponsor Bill Ketron says the amendment retains the original intention to prevent or deter violent or terrorist acts, but does so without any room for misinterpretation. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is still reviewing the amendment.