Sharia law is
a system of legal and illegality based solely on the Koran and Islamic
teachings. In the
Despite this, however, U.S.
Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri
Richard Callahan assured Missouri Muslims yesterday that the Obama
Administration would likely step in on behalf of Sharia law should any state
try to ban it. Discussing
the Missouri State Legislature's attempt to limit Sharia law, Callahan stated:
"The
Department of Justice has a good history of challenging laws passed by state
legislatures. If some laws are passed, I think you will see challenges by the
federal government on the constitutionality of them."
In other
words, if
Speaking at the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, Muslims also raised
concerns about supposed Islamophobia that has gripped
the country. Adil Imdad,
one of the organizers of the even, stated: "There is a worse kind of
Muslim hatred recently. Especially in the last two years, Islamophobia
and fear-mongering have been spreading like wildfire, and it's causing a lot of
stress for our youth."
The Daily
RFT continues:
The problem is
now hitting a little closer to home, said Imdad,
pointing to three bills currently circulating through the state legislature
that seek to limit Sharia law (Islamic law) in Missouri courts. Sharia law
could come into play in rulings considering child custody or prisoner rights
for Muslims. As we've reported, the bills have become a source of controversy.
Callahan responded by hinting that, should anti-Sharia legislation get passed
by the Missouri Legislature, it could be overturned by the federal courts.
"The Department of Justice has a good history of challenging laws passed
by state legislatures," he said. "If some laws are passed, I think
you will see challenges by the federal government on the constitutionality of
them."
Audience members also pressed Callahan to respond to instances of being
detained and questioned on return trips to