Gordon Denlinger

What was supposed to be a non-controversial resolution on the House floor Wednesday has become the genesis of a budding controversy.

And conservative lightning rod state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler County) is in the middle of it.

The lawmaker challenged a resolution that would have sponsored a Muslim group's convention in Philadelphia this weekend in Harrisburg.

"The Muslims do not recognize Jesus Christ as God, and I will be voting negative," he said on the House floor. The resolution was passed over after state Rep. Gordon Denlinger (R-Lancaster County) suggested it be sent to committee, saying the resolution was controversial in light of the attacks of Sept. 11.