New GOP Bill Rekindles Debate Over Sharia Law and the U.S. Constitution
Republican lawmakers push to ban foreign or religious legal systems in American courts, sparking constitutional and Islamophobia concerns.
A new bill introduced by two Republican lawmakers in Congress has reignited long-standing debates over the role of religion and foreign legal systems in U.S. courts, specifically targeting Islamic Sharia law.
The proposed legislation, dubbed the “No Sharia Law Act,” was introduced by Representatives Randy Fine (Florida) and Keith Self (Texas). The bill seeks to prohibit any court ruling, arbitration, or legal decision based on Sharia law—or any foreign legal code—that could undermine constitutional rights.
Supporters argue the bill protects the Constitution from erosion. “Sharia law is not compatible with Western civilization,” Fine wrote on X, adding, “If you want freedom, live in America; if you want oppression under Sharia, live in countries that enforce it.” Self echoed this sentiment, warning of Sharia’s “existing influence in Texas” and claiming it could divide the nation into “civilizations with different laws.”
Sharia Bill Sparks Backlash Amid Dearborn Dispute and Muslim Housing Project
The controversy grew after Fine linked the bill to a recent incident in Dearborn, Michigan, where Christian residents rejected naming a street after an Arab American publisher, fueling local tensions. He also pointed to the proposed Epic City project near Dallas, a Muslim-majority residential development, suggesting it could pave the way for elements of Sharia law.
Civil rights advocates and Islamic organizations swiftly condemned the bill. The Islamic Networks Group (ING) emphasized that the legislation misrepresents Sharia and threatens the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. ING stated: “American Muslims are not seeking to impose Sharia on others. In fact, Sharia requires Muslims to respect the laws of the country they live in.”
The bill is expected to move through House committees, where Republicans hold a majority. However, its future in the Senate remains uncertain, and legal challenges are likely if passed, particularly around issues of religious freedom and the constitutional separation of church and state.
