U.S. Rep. Keith Self of Texas is asking Congress to denounce Sharia law and oppose its implementation in the United States.
On Thursday, Self (R–McKinney) filed a concurrent resolution asserting that no foreign or religious legal system may supersede the U.S. Constitution.
“The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. We cannot allow Sharia law or any competing legal framework to undermine the liberties generations of Americans have fought and died to protect,” said Self.
According to the resolution, “Sharia does not recognize the right to liberty as evidenced by forcing submission to Allah over individual autonomy; restricting religious freedom and free speech; no respect for gender equality concerning the rights of women, those who live unapproved lifestyles, and the lengthy list of characteristics for which United States law does not permit discrimination.”
It continues, “Any legal or political doctrine that places itself above the Constitution threatens the stability and unity of the Nation.”
Fellow lawmakers have expressed support for the concurrent resolution as well.
U.S. Reps. Randy Weber (R–Friendswood), Buddy Carter (R–GA), Eli Crane (R–AZ), Paul Gosar (R–AZ), Josh Brecheen (R–OK), Barry Moore (R–AL), Clay Fuller (R–GA), Derrick Van Orden (R–WI), and Mike Kelly (R–PA) are co-sponsoring the resolution.
Weber stated: “We cannot stand by and watch while foreign ideologies threaten American democracy, as we are seeing on Ali Akbar Court in Irving, Texas, and in ‘Muslim-only’ communities across the country. Congress must make it clear that Americans will remain safe, free, and governed by the Constitution and the laws and values that made this nation great.”
The concurrent resolution, which is nonbinding, comes after Self introduced the Preserving Our Constitution Act in July. That bill would prohibit federal courts from recognizing foreign or religious legal systems not aligned with the U.S. Constitution, including Sharia law. Currently this act is awaiting action in the House Committee on the Judiciary.
