FILE - In a Thursday, June 21, 2012 file photo, a worker walks out of the construction site of a mosque being built in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A federal judge has allowed more time for the construction of a mosque southeast of Nashville.

According to The Tennessean, U.S. District Judge Kevin Sharp on Thursday gave mosque supporters until Aug. 15 to complete construction for its occupancy in Rutherford County.

Opponents have spent two years trying to halt construction of the mosque for the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. Last week, a federal judge ruled the congregation has a right to worship there as soon as the building is ready.

The 12,000-square-foot mosque will replace a smaller one that's been used for 30 years.

Opposition to the new mosque has included a lawsuit, a large rally, vandalism, arson and a bomb threat.

About another week of work on the mosque is needed.

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Information from: The Tennessean, http://www.tennessean.com