Via USA Today:
A proposed Tennessee law would make following the Islamic code known as Shariah law a felony, punishable by 15 years in jail.
A bill introduced by Tennessee state Sen. Bill Ketron, pictured, and Rep. Judd Matheny calls Islamic code a danger to U.S. security.
State Sen. Bill Ketron, R-Murfreesboro, and state Rep. Judd Matheny, R-Tullahoma, introduced the same bill in the Senate and House last week. It calls Shariah law a danger to homeland security and gives the attorney general authority to investigate complaints and decide who's practicing it.
It exempts peaceful practice of Islam but labels any adherence to Shariah law — which includes religious practices such as feet washing and prayers — as treasonous. It claims Shariah adherents want to replace the Constitution with their religious law.
A dozen other states are considering anti-Shariah bills, and there's a federal lawsuit in Oklahoma over one.
Imam Mohamed Ahmed of the Islamic Center of Nashville on 12th Avenue South said Islam teaches its followers to obey the law of the land. Shariah law, he said, teaches moral values.
"What do you mean, really, by saying I can't abide by Shariah law?" he said. "Shariah law is telling me don't steal. Do you want me to steal and rob a bank?"
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-02-23-tennessee-law-shariah_N.htm
This is an example of how media constructs their coverage to make us believe something is wrong by their persistence to mention it in the news. Another way to describe it would be a moral panic. Ever since 9/11 people have been scared out of their minds when it comes to the subject of Islam. The fact of the matter is that we are all human and should have equal right to practice whatever religion we choose. To punish someone practicing Islam, with a felony and 15 year sentence is straight up ludicrous.
ReplyDeleteEver since 9/11, Americans have placed the label of evil predator on anyone that is associated with the Islamic religion. As Americans, we do want to keep our country and its citizens safe and not having to worry about another terrorist attack. But there is only so far that we can take that. When it begins to infringe on people's rights to have and practice a religion, then it is going too far.
ReplyDeleteYou know i think there is an old law still on the books, and I quote, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
ReplyDelete