State lawmakers say it's a preemptive strike against Sharia law, needed to prevent here what has happened in the United Kingdom.An Islamic leader says it's another example of a rising tide of anti-Islamic bigotry in America.
| Apparently a devout Muslim just can't obey civil law like everyone else ... |
The proposal, which has an Edmond connection, would amend Article 7, Section 1 of the Oklahoma Constitution, and stems from House Joint Resolution 1056, dubbed the "Save Our State" amendment, passed during the just-finished legislative session.
State Rep. Lewis Moore, R-Edmond, a co-author of HJR 1056, said he wanted to express his support very early for the legislation, which is needed because of the "onslaught" coming Oklahoma's way.
"I don't think we should accept or encourage Sharia law in any way, shape or form," Moore said.
State Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, primary author of HJR 1056, said Oklahoma is the first state to pass such legislation and he hopes other states will follow.
Duncan, an attorney who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, said the amendment is needed because judges in other states and on the federal bench have increasingly cited international law in their decisions. He said he feels that action is inappropriate in a sovereign state.
Duncan said Sharia law is entrenched in the United Kingdom.
"It is a cancer upon the survivability of the UK," Duncan said. "SQ 755 will constitute a pre-emptive strike against Sharia law coming to Oklahoma."
State Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, a co-author of HJR 1056, said American courts are being more frequently challenged that international law should trump U.S. law.
"Sharia law coming to the U.S. is a scary concept," Sykes said. "Hopefully the passage of this constitutional amendment will prevent it in Oklahoma."
The wording in SQ 755 is being altered. In a letter dated June 2, addressed to the secretary of state and legislative leaders, the Attorney General's Office concluded the present wording does not comply with applicable laws because it does no adequately define either Sharia law or international law.
The AG's office stated that it will within 10 business days prepare a preliminary ballot title that complies with the law.
Paul Ziriax, secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board, said once the AG's office is done with the proposal, the governor will issue a proclamation formally setting the election date. An issue such as this must be on the ballot in November unless it is disqualified for some reason, Ziriax said.
I would suspect that this would include 'Halakha', Jewish Law, from being incorporated into State court legal decisions. It would also not preclude Sharia or Halakha from being voluntarily used by individuals with prior agreement.