FL Legislature Considers Outlawing Shariah & Other Foreign Law
- Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:45am by
Billy Hallowell
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (The Blaze/AP) — A measure to ban the use of foreign laws in domestic courtrooms is progressing in Florida’s statehouse, one of dozens of similar efforts across the country that critics call an unwarranted campaign driven by fear of Muslims. The Blaze has reported before about allegations that Shariah law has been finding its way into Florida courtrooms.
Forty such bills are being pursued in 24 states, according to a tally by the National Conference of State Legislatures, a movement backers say is a response to a glaring hole in legal protections for Americans. Opponents say the bills simply address a made-up threat and could threaten agreements made under Jewish or other religious law.

“There have been all sorts of wild accusations about what this bill does,” said Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, who sponsored the Senate bill in Florida. “This is very clear, very simple: In American courts we need American laws and no other.”
The Florida measure passed the House on Thursday 92-24. It awaits a full vote in the Senate.
If passed, Florida would join three other states – Louisiana, Arizona and Tennessee – in approving legislation curtailing the use of foreign laws. An Oklahoma ballot measure got 70 percent approval, but it goes a step further in specifically mentioning Shariah, the Islamic system of law. A federal court has blocked the measure’s implementation until its constitutionality is determined.
The twin House and Senate bills in Florida make no mention of Shariah law or any other specific foreign system. The language of the legislation, in fact, seems innocuous, outlawing the use of foreign law only when it violates rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, and only in certain domestic situations, such as divorces and child custody cases. It does not apply to businesses and says it shouldn’t be construed to prohibit any religious organization from making judgments in “ecclesiastical matters.”
But that’s done little to quiet critics who see such legislation as right-wing fear mongering.

“It’s a waste of time and irrelevant legislation,” said Nezar Hamze, head of the Miami chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. “But the motive behind it is very troubling.”
The most fervently outspoken supporters of such bills caution Shariah law could begin to spread outside of Muslim countries in a slow-speed Islamic takeover of the world. Others, seeking to appeal to the masses, say not outlawing Shariah jeopardizes the rights of American women.
Though Shariah law was an unrecognizable term to nearly every American just a few years ago, it has become much more mainstream. Dangers of Shariah have been aired on the campaign trail, in tea party rallies and on cable news.
One of the most persistent voices on the issue is David Yerushalmi, a Brooklyn lawyer who drafted model legislation on the foreign law issue and who has waged a quiet campaign to ensure Shariah is outlawed in the U.S.

Yerushalmi’s views have made him a lightning rod; he even declines to say where in Florida he lived as a child because he has family that still calls it home and he says he fears for their safety. He disputes characterizations of him as a bigot.
Yerushalmi calls Shariah “an offensive foreign law” but he says even if critics are right, and that he and other proponents of such legislation are acting on prejudice, legislatures have nothing to lose by outlawing it.
“If you‘re right and Shariah is everything that is good and noble and doesn’t have all the ugly things that we understand it to have,” he said, then such legislation simply will have no effect on the public. He notes people found to have committed adultery can be stoned under Shariah law.
The Florida bills include passages from Yerushalmi’s model legislation, which was written for a group called the American Public Policy Alliance. The leader of that organization, Stephen Gele, says there are egregious court cases that have shown Shariah is a threat in the U.S., with foreign judgments on divorces and child custody allowed to stand.
“It‘s probably a small percentage of a court’s docket, but certainly if you’re the woman who lost her child to Pakistan, it’s important to you,” he said, citing a case in which he said a mother lost custody because of a foreign ruling.
An estimated 1.3 million Americans identify as Muslim, according to the 2008 American Religious Identification Survey, a respected count published by Trinity College in Hartford, Conn. That amounts to fewer than 1 percent of the population nationally. Florida has a similar share.

If passed, Hamze said, Florida‘s legislation would have virtually no effect because he says he’s not aware of the issue ever coming up in a state courtroom. He believes the message, however, would be a harmful one.
Others have come to the side of Muslim advocates, including the Anti-Defamation League, a prominent defender of Jewish causes. Andrew Rosenkranz, regional director for the ADL in Florida, issued a statement calling the bills unnecessary and saying they could jeopardize agreements reached in religious settings such as a Jewish tribunal.
“The alleged threat of Islamic, other religious or foreign law to Florida’s court system is completely illusory, and the Senate’s consideration of this measure is an unwise use of resources,” Rosenkranz said. “At best, this bill is wholly redundant as the Florida and U.S. constitutions already prohibit the unconstitutional application of foreign law in the courts.”
Hays said those who oppose the bill are mistaken about its intentions. He said he wasn‘t aware what led to the legislation’s introduction – another version of it failed last year – or who might have had a role in crafting its language, which he said was ultimately put together by the House sponsor, Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha. Metz did not return a call seeking comment.
“I don’t care where the law comes from or who the originators of the law are,” Hayes said. He said those with concerns need to do just one thing to ease their fears: “Read the bill.”





















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Comments (116)
Pokerjoe
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:06pmHere in Oklahoma we passed by vote the same law only to have it go to the supreme court. we are still waiting.
Report Post »db321
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:44pmThe lady in the last photo with Glasses is Debbie Wasserman Schultz – she has never looked better. We can’t stop Sharia Law in America it is Coming! – what we can do is embrace the next TRENDS that are coming to America:
We will have a new American sport – stoning women – it will blow the UFC’s crowed away – look at the money the Producers will make on Pay Per View alone.
Then, think of the money men will save by no longer having to go through costly divorces – just accuse your wife of adultery – she get’s stoned – and the man get to keep the House, Cars and Money – plus the proceeds of pay per view!
At lastly, the very moment – your old ball and chain starts to grow a wrinkle or two – trader her in on one that is around 9 or 10.
Mohammed may have been a false profit – but you have to hand it to him, he defiantly was looking out for dirty old men.
Men don’t worry about even showing up for the next Presidential election – Women are going to bring this on themselves with their support of Obama – they think Obama is going to pay for their Birth Control Pills.
Mohammed and Obama are Brilliant!
Report Post »Hold-Our-Politicians-Accountable
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 2:12pmAll of our politicians need to be held accountable including candidates. Our Politicians did not verify the eligibility of Obama to run for or hold office. We can start by holding Congress responsible for not standing up for american citizens that they are suppose to serve.
Report Post »What we need is http://www.petition2congress.com/6195/congressional-reform-act-to-fix-congress/
Marci
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 2:37pmThe sad thing here is that there should be no need to ban it—the Constitution is the rule of law, period. Judges who use Shariah in their rulings should be automatically taken off the bench and banned from public service in any way, shape or form. What the heck has this country come to? You do not have to pass special laws to ban laws that are against the Constitution!!!!
Report Post »BarackStalin
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 3:04pmWhy would we possibly need a law that states foreign laws are invalid in America?
If I break the law in iran, for instance, do you think that claiming “yeah but it’s legal in America” is going to work for me?
The very notion is an attack on American sovereignty.
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 3:48pmThe courts are abdicating their responsibility to presidential policy. The SCOTUS will berate, belittle and deny Florida voters any chance of passing this by over turning the Oklahoma law.
American government has turned the corner to certifiable cowards.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:22pmGO Florida!!!! AMERICAN LAWS IN AMERICA!!!!
Report Post »black9897
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:55pmConsider? One needs to actually consider this?? Geez..common sense isn’t so common anymore. Only American law in America? Never would have guessed.
Report Post »batorsin1936
Posted on March 3, 2012 at 1:15pmI’d like to know who the 24 were that voted against it. Time to find out and vote them out in Florida!
Report Post »Krutch
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:47amHow about passing a law declareing Constitutional law supreme? Throw out these stupid ‘precedant laws’ that are based on ‘what ever gets pulled over a jury’s/judges eyes’. And get rid of judges that ‘make up’ laws. Or hide facts during a trial to get an outcome they want.
Report Post »db321
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:37pmStop getting excited – Florida in NOT Going to Fight off Sharia – Florida is as liberal as NY. It is going to be fun to watch these Florida Liberals battle Sharia when it does comes. Right now Sharia is hip and cool to the Occupiers and the Liberals – play with fire it will burn you. Good luck Florida.
Report Post »schroeder123
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:38amWe are in America., with our own laws. Not the Middle East.
Report Post »Why are people even asking a silly question like this. The answer of coarse is, we have our own laws. If you don’t like them, go to another country that fits your thinking.
Who is debating this ???
2theADDLED
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 1:40pmShouldn’t even be a issue the reason most come to the U.S. is to escape this. If they want Sharia law then send them back to their own country.
Report Post »BillnGA
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:17amExcellent idea!!!!!!
Report Post »shirleyandpearl
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:15pmallowing Sharia Law in the U.S. is like America demanding to have U.S. laws in the middle east, which is when pigs fly upon the backs of purple dinosaurs. Look at Europe and Britain…. is the quality of life better after the immense increase of Muslim population, along with their demands? answer: no!
Report Post »IMCHRISTIAN
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:10amWhat is there to consider? This is America and it would be so evil to do to our citizens.
Report Post »steveh931
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:08amU.S. Constitution Article III Section 2.
The judicial power shall extend to all cases, “in law and equity”, arising under this Constitution, “the Laws of the United States”, and treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority; to all cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Councils; to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction; to Controversies to which the United States shall be a party; to Controversies between two or more States; between a State and Citizens of another State; between Citizens of different States; between citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, “and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.”
I believe it’s already a part of the U.S. Constitution. What we need are Judges that uphold, protect and defend the U.S. Constitution without their bias desires.
Report Post »momsense
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:27amMost judges have never read the Constitution. Therefore they can’t apply it.
Report Post »qzak491
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:09pm.
MOMSENSE
Report Post »Most judges think they are better or above the law and their opinions are the law, they don’t care what the Constitution says.
Calm Voice of Reason
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:07amDoes this effectively negate the Catholic churches fight against contraception? If we are not to allow “foreign laws” from entering the courtroom, then there can really not be any arguments against birth control. I guess this clears up a lot of those “Ten Commandments in courthouses” issues as well.
Report Post »TheSoundOf Truth
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:44pmThat comment is so stupid it doesn’t warrant a witty response from me.
WOW. Just….wow.
Report Post »TyrannyNoMore
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 2:36pmYour logic is so twisted and convoluted, it boggles the mind. It must suck being an atheist !
Report Post »Marci
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 2:43pmCalm Voice–there is not a damn thing in the Constitution that says abortion and birth control is a right. That is the real issue. As expected, you and people like you actually believe the false narrative that has dominated the airwaves. When a “right” means other people must give up their rights to grant it, it is not a right, it is an unjust law. Women want free birth control or abortion? Fine, have someone who is willing to pay for it do so, leave the taxpayer out of it.
Report Post »williaml
Posted on March 3, 2012 at 12:34amHey stupid, don’t get this twisted!
Report Post »nskipper
Posted on March 3, 2012 at 9:11amI will repond, because you obviously don’t know the difference between a law and morals! Maybe do a little research and learn before making stupid comments.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:36amDoes it concern anybody that we’re at the point where a state feels the need to pass a law about something so blatantly counter-American???
I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see how this country is not in a severe tailspin.
Report Post »Lonescrapper
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:58amI don‘t understand why they need to pass a law to outlaw something that’s already illegal in America.
Report Post »candcantiques
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 5:52pmSometimes a law does not come right out and explain itself. Sometimes a law must be interpreted. Such as a natural born citizen. Nowhere in the Constitution does it explain what a natural born citizen is therfore many people have differing opinions. Those that truly understand the law understand that the framers clearly understood that it was a damger to the citizens of this country to have a President with dual citizenship. Many today do not agree because the law does not explain itself. Therefore sometimes it is necessary to make a law or laws that make it blatently obvious what is and isnt legal. That is why we need this law.
Report Post »getourcountryback
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:27amGREAT IDEA! While they are at it, they should also pass legislation that prohibits socialism too.
Report Post »louaap
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:25amWhats wrong with Shriah Law? I would follow it but I hate getn up early. I like to partake in some adult beverages ( AKA Alcohol). I dont like beatn my wife and my gay uncle would be beheaded. Other than that it all sounds good! Ya know…………..
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:19amGood for you Florida…A line in the sand is being drawn in many different ways across America..Obama is the great deceiver,and America is waking up.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:19amOur country is based on the fact that “Justice is Blind” in Sharia the Justice is a wide eyed fanatical vengeful “witch”!
Proud that my State Senator is also the Majority Leader :) Keep up the great work Mike H.!!
Report Post »canthaveitall
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:05amif someone wants sharia law, go back to where you came from. this is america and we already have american laws. why is anyone coming to this country? (- land of the free-) most likely to be free from tyranny and lawlessness of their country of origin. sharia law does not represent freedom for all. so to all those families who wish to support and use sharia law, go back where you came form. when an american goes to a foreign country they have to abide by the laws in the country they are in, why is it muslims can come here and expect to have their way of life follow them? stay in your own country if thats what you want. where is the common sense in this? people need to wake up and start thinking. honor killings? give me a break. thats not what america is about or stands for. you dont like america’s ways and laws, there are planes leaving all the time. leave. go live your life in your own country. it’s an all or nothing proposition when you decide to come to america. you leave your former life behind. otherwise why are you coming to this country? same applies to all the america haters too- there are planes leaving daily where you can go live in tyrannical dictatorship countries, or you can go live in some socialist society like greece. leave. nice thing about america is you do get to spout off at the mouth about what you like or dont like, but if life here is so offensive to you, noone is stopping you from exiting the country. do the rest of us america lovers a favor. see y
Report Post »Ayla_me
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:31amAmen!
Report Post »lel2007
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:01amOne Country, One People, One Law. If you want Shariah law go to Shariah land.
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:23amWe are not going to allow this minority to rule our nation,sharia law is communism ..
Report Post »skiz
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:46amI moved to Florida 6 months ago. There is a rising tide of conservatism here.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:53amThe panhandle has always been conservative, Scarborough being the exception. Florida became more liberal with the New York snowbirds.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:36amBetter watch out Fl. obama will send holder down there and sue you
Report Post »JRook
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:47amGood to see they are spending their time on the peoples business and ideological symbolism. What a waste or time and money. No-one is proposing or suggesting any deviation from our current legal framework.
Report Post »skiz
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:49amSend him, Woods people will make him disappear.Come and get some!
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:50amSame way noone was proposing you spew, but you do, so if we knew ahead of time where you would spew and on what tangent, we could then preemtively mute and or send your view to PuffPost where it belongs. See how that works?
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:51amTo late – I just saw on cnn that Holder and 30 of his brown nosers just landed.
Report Post »Inlightofthings
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:18amJROOK
Report Post »Look to Dearborn. You incorrect in your statement.
ProbIemSoIver
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 1:52pmScrew Holder. Ignore that clown. He works for the Department of Justice which is a Private Company.
I don’t acknowledge clowns from private companies.
About US Department-Justice
Is this your company? Claim This Profile
Website:Information not found
Phone:(202) 514-2000
Products or Services: Federal Bureau Of Investigations, Justice Federal Bureau Of Investigation, The Federal Bureau Of Investigations, United States Federal Bureau Of Investigation.
US Department-Justice in Washington, DC is a PRIVATE COMPANY categorized under Federal Government-Police. Register for free to see additional information such as annual revenue and employment figures.
http://www.manta.com/c/mthlq87/us-department-justice
Report Post »scrapadapolis
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:29amLaws written in america since the founding fathers were written by them and all through the ages were made by Americans for all people of this country.I nor anyone from America can impose American law in any other country.Just ask amadana knox if she tried american civil liberties in itally.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:24am.
Report Post »Florida I hate to tell ya’ll but, Holder is on line 1…………….
oldguy49
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:41ami am a resident of florida and i hope we get this thru in america not just florida…………..this is a more important issue than anything i can think of…..economy we can fix…………sharia will cause distruction we can’t
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:24amFirst off I find it obscene that a law is needed to outlaw Sharia law in America but since we do this quote caught my attention.
“We should have a federal law that says Sharia law cannot be recognized by any court in the United States. No judge will remain in office that tried to use Sharia law.”
Report Post »Newt Gingrich at the Values Voters Summit in Washington 2010
The_Jerk
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:37amWhy focus on Sharia Law? If the principle is a foolish principle, then all laws not made in America should be banned. They are not, which means that we have hypocrites.
http://gunowners.org/fs0603.htm
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:52amJerky Boy only supports anit-Jew or anti-Zionism type stuff. Couch it in that and you get his support.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:39amSoup………I believe that Jerk is a Muslim troll.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:13amOutlaw Talmudic law.
The_Jerk
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:39amOf course in Florida that would be impossible, for it is the Jewish Riviera.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:54amSend the Jerks to the swamps to combat rabid constrictor snakes. With only flip flops and a Qtip.
Report Post »skiz
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:57amHave you ever studied the history of our laws here in the USA? They are based on Jewish laws and Viking laws. They are NATURAL LAWS. Your just a jerk…oh you know that. Go away Jew hater. I hate no one. There are a lot of people I dislike (including you) but JESUS teaches me not to hate. But you make it very hard. Good thing I can ask for forgiveness.
Report Post »littlefish
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:19amMust be an Occupier Jerk
Report Post »TheSoundOf Truth
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:46pmI wonder what would happen if I “report post” here…
Report Post »TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:11am“This is very clear, very simple: In American courts we need American laws and no other.”
I also like Florida’s “stand your ground” law…
Report Post »Lumbar Spine
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:10amFlorida should also ban the unwanted imposition of the laws of Venus, Jupiter and Mars. That damn Marxist/Kenyan Obama…!
Report Post »islamhater
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:29amEveryone is either killing or want to kill in the name of GOD. Sounds to me that GOD must really be the devil. I was always told you kill in the name of SATAN. This is why i could never believe in a GOD or a DEVIL.I think all of you have been fool’ed by the devil if he is real. I think most of you believers worship the devil and have been fool’ed. Catholics/Jews/Muslems <<<<<< Has put more evil in the world than anything else EVER!
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 10:38amWell, I’m a Protestant, so it looks like I skate by according to your rationale.
Sometimes I wonder how this country continues to thrive in some capacity when I read absolutely nonsense.
Report Post »Latter-Day-Soldier
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:17amIslamhater: Welcome to planet Earth
Report Post »TheSoundOf Truth
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:48pmYou are going to have to address the Annunaki with regards to your inquiry.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on March 3, 2012 at 1:13pmLumbar, glad to see you’ve come to the light.
Report Post »hi
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:04amAwesome! We need to do this in every state.
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:01amTough! If those who want Sharia don’t like it, they know where they can go.
Report Post »MYHEROISRON
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:10amCAIR = Constantly Advancing Islamic Regime
The cult of Islam is the enemy of all people, the the world over, who are not muslim! Do not fear the cult of Islam! Destroy it as it would destroy you!
“The infidels are your sworn enemy!” Sura 4:101 Book of the Koran
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:19amAIPAC = Jerusalem on the Potomac.
Report Post »(Taken from, “Jewish Power: Inside the Jewish Establishment,” J.J. Goldberg, pg. 197.)
SoupSandwich
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:59amRight on cue, Jerky Boy and the anti-Jew rhetoric. Ding ding ding. So really Jerky, was it a hot Jewish chick that shot you down or an Orthodox dude cut you off going into ChuckE CHeese or what?
Report Post »Krutch
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 11:39am@ myhero
Report Post »‘islam is the enemy of all not muslim’… islam is the enemy of muslims, too!
Look at how they treat their own peoples to see that.
MYHEROISRON
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:15pm@KRUTCH
Good point …
Report Post »SmallGovBigGuns
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:00amwhy is this not already in law?
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 2, 2012 at 9:19amSharia law is already rendered null and void by my Bill of Rights.
Anyone promulgating Sharia is an enemy of America and engaged in Jihad; deportation is fitting.
Report Post »