Crisis Averted When Tennessee Lawmakers Discover Muslim Foot Bath Is Actually Just a Mop Sink
The Tennessee legislature dodged a potential firestorm today when lawmakers were able to come together and reassure one another that a possible Muslim foot bath was, in fact, just a mop sink.
Ever since the state Capitol building recently unveiled a small bundle of renovations, there have been angry grumblings. People were worried that one of the building's updates—a sink—may be an attempt to offer a modicum of assistance to observant Muslims visiting the Capitol, and would be available to those who want to wash their feet before praying. The sink is pictured above, and indeed it is on the floor, the perfect level for a Muslim looking to wash his feet. Thankfully, however, everyone angry that the state of Tennessee might be being nice to Muslims relaxed today when state officials clarified that the sink was nothing but a place for custodians to wash filthy mops.
This is not a joke. Here is the rest of the story, from the Associated Press:
Senate Clerk Russell Humphrey said he had been approached by two lawmakers to inquire about a new basin, which replaced a utility sink that had been mounted higher on the wall.
State Sen. Bill Ketron said he had asked about the change after being approached about it by a fellow Republican, Rep. Judd Matheny. Ketron said the answer dispelled any potential concerns, while Matheny said he couldn't recall raising questions.
Another victory against dirty floors and the scourge of creeping Sharia.
[Image via AP]