Bill to Ban Sharia Law in OK Courts Passes Committee
‘American law for American courts’ bill OK’d by Oklahoma panel
By SEAN MURPHY
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma lawmakers are considering banning judges in the state from basing any rulings on foreign laws, including Sharia law.
A Senate panel on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the bill, which has broad support in the Republican-controlled Legislature. The bill would specifically make void and unenforceable any court, arbitration or administrative agency decision that doesn’t grant the parties affected by the ruling “the same fundamental liberties, rights and privileges granted under the U.S. and Oklahoma constitutions.”
“This is a way to protect American citizens … where somebody may try to use any kind of foreign law or religious law to affect the outcome of a trial,” said Sen. Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City, who sponsored the bill. Shortey described it as “American Law for American Courts.”