Terrorist Bill Advances In TN Senate
A proposal to authorize the governor and attorney general to decide whether an entity is a terrorist organization has passed a key Senate committee.
The measure was approved 6-3 by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday a few hours after the companion bill passed the same committee in the House 12-4.
The original proposal sought to make it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah, but the measure was later amended to strip out any reference to a specific religion.
Opponents are concerned some organizations may be unfairly targeted, particularly Muslims. Hundreds of them were at the legislative office complex at the Tennessee Capitol on Tuesday to show their displeasure for the proposal.
Both versions of the legislation will now go to finance committees.
