NASHVILLE – Gov. Phil Bredesen called on Tennesseans Monday to show religious tolerance in the wake of Saturday’s suspected arson at the site of a future mosque in Murfreesboro.
The governor, a Democrat, also urged politicians in both parties not to use the ongoing mosque controversy for partisan gain.
Asked by reporters about the suspected arson case, which is attracting national attention, Bredesen said “this is a contentious time and there’s a lot of strong feelings.”
“I guess I would ask everybody to remember this is a country whose deepest origins are in religious freedom – it was founded by people who escaped to it to practice their religions – and to ask people to please have great respect for anyone’s religious preferences and their rights to practice those in the United States,” the governor said. “I think it goes right to the heart of what this country is about.”
According to authorities, a fire broke out early Saturday morning at the planned Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. It destroyed a heavy hauler, according to Eric Kehn, spokesman for the Nashville office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Three other pieces of equipment were damaged.