The bill, named the Material Support to Designated Entities Act of 2011, had previously sought to outlaw funding or support to designated terrorist entities that followed versions of Shariah, a combination of morals, values and principles generally adhered to by Muslims worldwide.
But many local and state Islamic leaders denounced the proposed law, fearing it would curtail their religious rights such as fasting on Ramadan or praying five times a day toward holy Makkah.
The original text of the bill said Shariah is a "legal-political-military doctrinal system" that promotes "the abrogation, destruction, or violation of the United States and Tennessee constitutions ... through violence and criminal activity."
State Senator Bill Ketron (pictured) said in a press release he and co-sponsors reworked the bill to avoid misinterpretation regarding the effect on Islam.
"It basically just identifies any terrorist group ... that may organize," the Murfreesboro Republican told the Associated Press. "I think it's going to be acceptable."
Ketron says the amendment reflects the legislation's "original intention to prevent or deter violent or terrorist acts, but does so without any room for misinterpretation regarding the language's affect on peaceful religious practices."
Ibrahim Hooper, national spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Tuesday the amended bill is a "victory for common sense." He said the agency will continue to monitor the bill as it moves forward in the Tennessee General Assembly.
"This obviously is a result of an effort to marginalize Tennessee Muslims and demonize Islam," he said. "Everyone knows now the origin of the legislation. It's good that references to Islam, Muslims and Shariah have been removed, but ... I think it's always going to be linked to that bigoted intent."
The amended bill would give the governor or attorney general authority to designate a group as a terrorist entity based on a recommendation by the director of Tennessee's Office of Homeland Security.
Entities identified as terrorist groups would have the right to challenge the designation at a trial or hearing. Anyone found providing support to such groups would be charged with a felony, according to provisions of the bill.
Sponsors of the bill say it strengthens the Tennessee Prevention and Response Act of 2002, passed shortly after the 11 September terrorist attacks.
State Representative Judd Matheny, who is sponsoring a House version of the bill, said in the press release so far he has received positive feedback from those opposed to the previously proposed bill.
"The amendment provides a powerful counterterrorism tool to state and local law enforcement enabling them to act decisively before acts of terrorism are committed," Matheny stated. "We have to get it right every time; they only have to get it right once."
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