Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Oklahoma's Sharia Ban
Rachel Slajda | November 8, 2010, 3:19PM

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order against an amendment to the Oklahoma constitution that would prohibit courts from considering Sharia or international law.

The Sharia ban passed as a ballot measure in last week's election, in a vote of 70 percent to 30 percent. Without the injunction, which bars the state board of elections from certifying the results, the amendment was expected to go into effect tomorrow.

The lawsuit was brought by Muneer Awad, the head of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Oklahoma chapter. In his lawsuit, Awad argues that the law violates his First Amendment rights by creating an "official disapproval of his faith" embedded in the state constitution. He also argues that the ban would make it impossible for his family to carry out his will, much of which is based on Islam.

"We're satisfied, temporarily," Awad told TPMmuckraker today after the hearing.

The injunction is temporary pending another hearing on Nov. 22.

The assistant attorney general of Oklahoma, who is defending the state board of elections in the suit, did not respond to a request for comment.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/judge_issues_temporary_injunction_against_okla_sha.php?ref=fpblg

There shouldn't be a ban on any religion in any constitution in this country. Bad Bad people.

They aren't banning a RELIGION. They want to ban sheria law. We have our own laws in this country and people need to abide by our laws when in this country. If you travel to other countries you o eg their laws do you not? Why should people from another country not have to abide by our laws.

The laws are personal laws that are an option of the religion, they do not effect outside of a household.

Just like those who practice Christianity in their homes, there are laws in that religion that shouldn't apply to others but should be allowed in people's homes.

Unfortunately, Shaira Law isn't always just "within the home". if you want to practice said laws within your house, they become "House rules". No one gives a crap then.

If you wise to accuse people of being close minded to religions, you should think about how things are said. This has nothing to do with Religion, just Equality and general human rights.

Should be banned under seperation of religion and state......

Sharia law has no place in American courts, American law has a place in American courts. This judge will be over ruled by the SCOTUS. Sounds like something the worthless 9th circuit court would rule, which is routinely overturned by the SCOTUS.

Actually, it's harder to prove someone violated a Sharia Law than a state mandated one. It actually requires five witnesses.


That being said, it would seem to me to be a violation of the the separation of church and state to allow Sharia Law in our courts. Our government is to take no side with any religion. We don't allow the Ten Commandments, so we should not allow Sharia Law either.

If you wish to practice your religion, fine. Just keep it out of my courts, they're clogged up enough as it is.