Oklahoma religion news: Court order blocks amendment on Sharia law

The last thing anyone needs is more political commentary in a blog, especially a blog about a Mormon missionary serving in Oklahoma.  But there is an interesting story developing in Oklahoma City dealing with religious issues that I thought would be interesting to share.

On November 2, 70% of Oklahomans voted in favor of State Question 755.  Also known as the “Save Our State Amendment,” Question 755 would amend the Oklahoma Constitution and direct Oklahoma courts to “uphold and adhere to” federal and state law, including the law of other states, but would forbid them from considering international law or Sharia law.  The measure was authored by Representative Rex Duncan, a Republican from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, who said the constitutional amendment was not intended as an attack on Muslims but as an effort to prevent activist judges from relying on international law or Islamic law when ruling on legal cases.

The law, described by a University of Oklahoma law professor as “an answer in search of a problem,” was immediately challenged by Muneer Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma.  On November 8, Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange (pictured) issued a temporary restraining order preventing the state Election Board from certifying the results of the election, effectively staying implementation of the law.  She scheduled a further hearing on November 22 to consider whether to enter a preliminary injunction, which would further delay its implementation.

“It thwarts the will of the people,” said Duncan, commenting on the temporary restraining order.  Awad countered: “We're confident in the case. We're confident in the claims we are making.  Today's ruling is a reminder of the strength of our nation's legal system and the protections it grants to religious minorities.”

Interesting stuff.  We’ll follow the story and provide updates.  We’ll also check with Elliot to see if he notices any fallout from the case.

Court order blocks Oklahoma amendment on Islamic law