Author: Kristin M. Hall

Source: The San Francisco Examiner

Wire Service: AP

http://www.sfexaminer.com/nation/us-attorney-joins-legal-battle-over-tennessee-mosque-says-islam-is-a-recognized-religion-105206954.html

Federal attorneys on Monday jumped into a court battle over the construction of a Tennessee mosque by offering legal proof that Islam is a recognized religion entitled to constitutional protection.

U.S. Attorney Jerry E. Martin of Nashville said his office would not sit by while mosque opponents raise questions in court about whether Islam is a recognized religion. Martin said in a statement that to suggest otherwise "is quite simply ridiculous."