Oklahoma Shariah Law Ban Blocked by Court
Oklahoma’s Shariah Law ban has been blocked by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. The law had previously been approved by 70 percent of voters but was challenged by Muneer Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma.
The Shariah law amendment read, “The courts shall not look to the legal precepts of other nations or cultures. Specifically, the courts shall not consider international law or Shariah law.”
Rex Duncan, Oklahoma’s state representative wrote the amendment as a “pre-emptive strike” against Shariah law. Awad argued that the amendment could profoundly change his life and the lives of other Muslims.
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After the ruling, Awad stated, “This is an important reminder that the Constitution is the last line of defense against a rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry in our society, and we are pleased that the appeals court recognized that fact.”
According to reports, there are currently over 20 movements to enact legislation banning Shariah law. The decision by the court reads in part, “We conclude that Mr. Awad’s allegation-that the proposed state amendment expressly condemns his religions and exposes him and other Muslims in Oklahoma to disfavored treatment-suffices to establish the kind of direct injury-in-fact necessary to create Establishment Clause standing…”
Attorney Gadeir Abbas, Awad’s co-counsel, told reporters, “Today’s ruling is a victory for the Constitution and for the right of all Americans to freely practice their faith.”
