Full Breakdown
Tennessee GOP Governor Candidate Calls for Ban on Mosques and “Pagan” Religions
7/30/2026, 1:10:13 AM
Candidate’s Proposal to Ban Non-Christian Houses of Worship
State Rep. Monty Fritts, a 63-year-old Republican, announced that, if elected governor, he would work to prohibit mosques and what he termed “pagan religions,” specifically naming Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. In a sit-down interview conducted four days before the start of early voting, Fritts argued that the First Amendment’s restriction on establishing religion applies only to Congress, not to state governments.
Constitutional Context
Fritts’ interpretation hinges on the opening word of the First Amendment. He contended that because the amendment begins with “Congress,” its limits are confined to the federal level. Legal scholars note that the Supreme Court has long applied the Free Exercise Clause to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment, protecting citizens’ right to practice any religion unless a compelling governmental interest is demonstrated.
Reactions from Religious Groups and Legal Experts
A West Covina Buddhist Temple clarified that Buddhism does not fit the “pagan” label, emphasizing its focus on the Dharma rather than deities.
Campaign Timeline
Fritts is seeking the Republican nomination ahead of the Tennessee primary scheduled for August 6. Early voting is currently underway.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Islam is a little different story than perhaps other religions are, in that it’s not necessarily a religion, it’s a political movement,” — State Rep. Monty Fritts
- “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion” — State Rep. Monty Fritts
- “I think that what we miss oftentimes in the First Amendment is the first word: Congress,” — State Rep. Monty Fritts
- “I don’t know that I want [to be governor]. I feel like God has called me to run,” — State Rep. Monty Fritts
- “The Free Exercise Clause protects citizens’ right to practice their religion as they please, so long as the practice does not run afoul of a ‘public morals’ or a ‘compelling’ governmental interest.” — Catch Up We
