A Tennessee politician has been criticised by Islamic groups and Islamic leaders by suggesting that Islam is a cult and is therefore ineligible for protection under the first amendment of the United States constitution , which guarantees freedom of religion. Though Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey , at a campaign stop in Chattanooga earlier in the month, said he's "all about freedom of religion", he also said that "[y]ou could even argue whether that being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life, cult or whatever you want to call it". Lt. Gov. Ramsey had been asked about a proposed Islamic mosque and community centre that has been slated for construction in the town of Murfreesboro , Tennessee, and also about the "threat that is invading our country from Muslims". Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations , called Ramsey's remarks "part of an unfortunate trend in our society" and part of "a disturbing trend in our nation in which it is suggested that American Muslims should have fewer or more restricted constitutional rights than citizens of other faiths." Hooper also encouraged Ramsey to find people "who can offer him balanced and accurate information about Islam."
A Tennessee politician has been criticised by Islamic groups and Islamic leaders by suggesting that Islam is a and is therefore ineligible for protection under the first amendment of the United States , which guarantees freedom of religion. Though Tennessee Lieutenant Governor , at a campaign stop in earlier in the month, said he's "all about freedom of religion", he also said that "[y]ou could even argue whether that being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life, cult or whatever you want to call it". Lt. Gov. Ramsey had been asked about a proposed Islamic mosque and community centre that has been slated for construction in the town of , Tennessee, and also about the "threat that is invading our country from Muslims". Ibrahim Hooper, national communications director of the , called Ramsey's remarks "part of an unfortunate trend in our society" and part of "a disturbing trend in our nation in which it is suggested that American Muslims should have fewer or more restricted constitutional rights than citizens of other faiths." Hooper also encouraged Ramsey to find people "who can offer him balanced and accurate information about Islam."
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cult
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constitution
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Ron Ramsey
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Chattanooga
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Murfreesboro
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Council on American-Islamic Relations