EXCERPT: A judge has ruled that the construction of a new mosque in Rutherford County does not harm the residents who sued the county over it, but allowed them to move forward on claims the county violated an open meetings law.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Joe Brandon Jr. had argued that the mosque violated his clients’ constitutional rights, claiming that the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro’s members were compelled by their religion to subdue non-Muslims.
In his ruling issued Tuesday, Chancellor Robert Corlew dismissed a majority of complaints raised by the 17 plaintiffs, except on claims the county violated the state Open Meetings Act by not providing proper notice for the meeting where the mosque site plan was approved. The court has not yet set a date to hear the open meetings complaint.
Holding: Chancellor Corlew dismissed most complaints raised by plaintiffs challenging the construction of a mosque in Rutherford County, finding the mosque construction did not harm residents, but allowed claims that the county violated state Open Meetings Act.
