Tenn. bill would make following Shariah a felony

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A bill in Tennessee’s Legislature would make it a felony to follow some forms of the Islamic code known as Shariah.

It’s the most severe measure put forth by a national movement whose members believe extremist Muslims want Shariah to supersede the Constitution.

Opponents call the measure unconstitutional because they believe it could outlaw basic tenets of Islam such as praying or fasting.

Supporters argue the bill would be a counterterrorism tool for law enforcement.

Shariah is a set of core principles that most Muslims recognize as well as a series of rulings from religious scholars.