(KCEN) -- Accused Fort Hood shooter Maj. Nidal Hasan spoke out about his beard in a pre-trial hearing today.
He was then found in contempt of court again, fined $1,000 and moved out of the room to watch the proceedings via video.
But before he was forced from the courtroom, he said to Judge Gross, "My religion requires me to wear a beard. I believe my beard is part of my Muslim faith. I am not wearing a beard to disrespect your authority."
The hearing is being held today to settle some issues so Hasan can enter his plea.
Judge Gross planned to issue Hasan to be forcibly shaved but the government asked him to hold off on that until next week so they can have time to go over the religious issues involved in the case.
The appeals court says Hasan will be able to file a writ against him being forcible shaved before it happens.
The motions in court today tried to straighten out what evidence will be admitted in the case and how that evidence will be presented. All of the motions are contingent on Hasan's plea, but Hasan cannot enter a plea until the issue with his beard is resolved.
The next pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for September 6, which is when Judge Gross expects to order Hasan to be forcibly shaved.
During that hearing, the defense will present evidence about why the Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies in this case.
