Haslam Aide: Tennessee Not Promoting Islamic Code

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam's administration is responding to what it calls confusion about the role of a Muslim staffer and a council that has advised two state departments on Islamic affairs.  Haslam was criticized this summer by several Republican groups over what they perceived as the growing influence of a version of the Islamic code called Shariah in state government.  Deputy to the governor Claude Ramsey sent a letter last week to the state GOP's executive committee seeking to quell those concerns.  Ramsey stated there is no effort under way to promote Shariah law in Tennessee. He called it inappropriate for state government to be involved in advancing any religious ideology.  Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney calls the letter a more than satisfactory explanation.