NASHVILLE, Tennessee – A new mosque that had been the subject of a lawsuit, arson, vandalism and a bomb threat will open for prayers in Tennessee on Friday.
Building Codes Director David Jones in Rutherford County said Tuesday that he issued a temporary occupancy permit to the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro after inspectors approved the building.
Construction was nearly shut down after a judge in that Tennessee county ruled in May that the meeting at which mosque construction was approved was not sufficiently advertised to the public.
Last month, federal prosecutors stepped in to protect the religious liberty of mosque members. A federal judge ruled in their favor, allowing construction and permitting to proceed.
The temporary permit runs until mid-October, allowing the contractors time to finish the landscaping and some other last tasks.
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