Oklahoma lawmakers consider proposal to ban Sharia law in state courts

Описание: TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — State lawmakers are debating a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit Oklahoma courts from applying Sharia law or other foreign legal codes.

House Joint Resolution 1040, authored by Rep. Gabe Woolley, aims to stop courts from using Sharia law or any foreign laws in their decisions, limiting rulings strictly to U.S. and state law.

Sharia law is a set of religious guidelines followed by some Muslims that governs personal and ethical conduct. It cannot override U.S. or state law.

Supporters of the measure say it protects the state constitution, while opponents argue it violates religious freedom.

HJR 1040 mirrors a 2010 amendment that passed with strong voter support but was later struck down by federal courts for targeting a single religion, which violated the U.S. Constitution.

Despite the history, Woolley says lawmakers should not back down.

“My position is that you don't give up doing something that is right and good just because it didn't work in the past,” Woolley said. “I believe the numbers in favor of banning Sharia in Oklahoma have increased since 2010.”

Woolley argues that Sharia law is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution and threatens fundamental freedoms.

“My biggest concern is that the tenets of Sharia law and Islam are not compatible with our United States Constitution,” he said. “They would have to completely go around the tenets of the Constitution to properly function, and that is not something that would work in Western civilization unless American civilization crumbles and becomes Sharia law.”

Rep. John Waldron strongly disagrees, saying the proposal expands government power and undermines religious freedom.

“Once again, so-called conservatives are expanding the role of government into very intimate details about our lives,” Waldron said. “That doesn't strike me as conservative, and it's certainly not right for Oklahoma or America to give the government that kind of power over religion.”

Waldron also cited recent controversy in Broken Arrow over a proposed mosque, noting that religious land use is protected by the First Amendment.

“The mosque is no different from a church, synagogue, or temple. It's all protected under the First Amendment,” he said. “If they own the property and want to build, and it follows the law and regulations, so be it. That's America.”

HJR 1040 is still in the early stages. If lawmakers approve it, the proposal would go to Oklahoma voters, who would ultimately decide whether to add it to the state constitution.

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