Two bills to ban Sharia law in Georgia courts
Because we can’t let Oklahoma get ahead of us, state lawmakers could soon debate the “American Laws for Georgia Courts Act.” From the Fulton County Daily Report and Law.com:
House Bill 45, introduced by Rep. Mike Jacobs, R-Atlanta, states “it shall be the public policy of this state to protect its citizens from the application of foreign laws when the application … will result in the violation of a right guaranteed by the Constitution of this state or of the United States.” The bill also would prevent arbitrators or tribunals from enforcing a foreign law that didn’t meet constitutional standards.
Jacobs, a lawyer and vice chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told the Fulton County Daily Report the bill would “ban the use of Sharia law in state courts.” He acknowledged that he was not aware of any instances in Georgia where a plaintiff or defendant asked the court to apply Sharia law but believes it has happened elsewhere.
“We’re seeing more of a feeling that Sharia law should be applied in domestic cases,” he said, such as divorces.
The chairman of the House Judiciary panel, Rep. Wendell Willard, R-Sandy Springs, has signed on as a sponsor but hedged when asked whether he supports the bill.
“I want to see what comes up in hearings,” Willard said, to answer this question: “Does it serve a real purpose or is that standard [that federal and state laws trump foreign laws] already recognized by courts in the state?”M. Khurram Baig, a litigator with Kumar, Prabhu, Patel & Banerjee in Atlanta and a member of the Georgia Association of Muslim Lawyers, said the answer is no: “I don’t know of any instance where foreign law has prevailed in a Georgia court ever. So why is this necessary?”
But Jacob’s isn’t the only bill on the topic. State Sen. Judson Hill, R-Marietta, has a similar measure — SB 51.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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170 comments Add your comment
Decres
February 9th, 2011
7:01 am
I agree with Rep. Willard. Let the hearing process explore this issue to see if it actually is a problem.
As far as Rep. Jacobs, I feel that this issue is probably ninety percent “showboating” and surely there are more germaine and important issues that our state faces right now.
The outrageous new court filing fees and copy fees passed in previous sessions need urgent reform. They seem almost punitive in nature. The courts in our state need to be open for all segments of our population and not just the wealthy.
atlfunlvr
February 9th, 2011
7:07 am
THis atty says he can “see a feeling” perhaps he is a mystic. Wow this session the legislature can make it possible to fleece latinos AND disrespect Muslims…Got GA on my Mind!
pete
February 9th, 2011
7:09 am
crazy crazy thought we had enough laws!
DavidEm
February 9th, 2011
7:10 am
Excellent progress.
Could we please have protection against the Mosaic Law, too? I’ve seen my neighbor working on the Sabbath, and I’m just itchin to stone him.
Jason
February 9th, 2011
7:12 am
This move to stop Sharia law is a good idea. All you need to do is pay attention to some of the rulings in the courts in Europe. Essentially what has happened over there is that there have become a seperate set of laws for different citizens. For instance, in Germany a couple of years ago, a judge ruled that a divorce case should be settled by sharia law since she was a muslim. The judge then denied the woman the divorce even though there was evidence that the woman had suffered domestic abuse. In England there have been pushes to allow the muslim community to have it’s own court system to handle domestic cases. So in other words, the laws of England no longer applied to its muslim citizens.
This is exactly one of the things that Thomas Jefferson wanted to prevent when he formed this country. I just visited his memorial in Washington DC two weeks ago. I encourage you all to visit that memorial and read his quotes concerning the importance of keeping all citizens equal under the law regardless of their religion. Ultimately what happens if you don’t keep the law equal for all citizens is that you create a special class of citizens who are above the law. This is exactly what has happened in Europe. Many European non-muslim citizens are beginning to feel as though they are second class citizens in their own country.
T.J. Jackson
February 9th, 2011
7:13 am
I don’t think it is a bad idea to go on record as to how we feel about the matter. If the imperial federal gov’t ever decides they don’t like what Georgia has done they will invade and conquer us as they did in the 1860’s…………oh, I forgot, that has already happened and the 10th Amendment really doesn’t exist.
pete
February 9th, 2011
7:14 am
now what do we do with the white blue eyed people that are here illegal,how do we get rid of them!
Willis
February 9th, 2011
7:17 am
“We’re seeing more of a feeling that Sharia law should be applied in domestic cases,” he said, such as divorces.
I wonder if this dummy realizes that I am feeling bad about the joke that is the Georgia General Assembly.
Bob
February 9th, 2011
7:20 am
sideshow, right to assemble ? That right has been restricted by libs on the court.
Gram
February 9th, 2011
7:24 am
At least Christianity doesn’t require that you KILL gays.
Straight Talk
February 9th, 2011
7:26 am
Anyone doubting the need for this law should read the book, The Politically Incorrect Guide To Islam. Many of our political leaders have put us to sleep about Islam and its stated goal of installing Sharia law throughout the world. Those introducing this bill in the Georgia legislature are in the real world. Those making ill informed posts oppoising it are living in a dream world.
Normal Dad
February 9th, 2011
7:26 am
In the 50’s, it was the “godless communists.” In the 60’s, it was “the black panthers.” In the 70’s, it was the “counter-culture hippies.” In the 80’s, it was a two-fer: the good ol’ “communists” AND the “gays.” In the 90’s, it was “liberal democrats.” In the 2000’s and until today, it is “radical muslim extremists.”
Do the people of limited intelligence have no end to the boogeymen that live under their bed at night? I love Georgia and really want us to thrive. But with fruit loops like this in elected positions of power, we will remain the butt of jokes worldwide. * sigh* I weep for my home state.
Brett
February 9th, 2011
7:34 am
Good, because any day now Shiara law was going to be imposed on the citizens of Georgia. We whipped that one with only days to spare…
Brett
February 9th, 2011
7:35 am
Hey, we need to ban Hindu law too while we are at it… I heard that is coming to Georgia next month.
Boogey Man
February 9th, 2011
7:43 am
^ @ TrishaDisha!! Finally…someone who gets the big picture outside the U.S. Once upon a time, the EU was safe and mostly Christian. Now there are public transit bombings, embassy bombings, and radical Islam has its teeth in every western front and now approaching the east coast of the U.S. We might as well slice out Dearborn Michigan and ship it third class to Afghanistan! I am a Dem but I’m not so stupid and blind to spout Constitutional rights every time a Muslim demands special treatment on christian based U.S. soil. Our forefathers did not have the radical and violent movement of Islam in mind when they inserted “rights” into our constitution. Time to update that document to reflect the times!
Aubrey
February 9th, 2011
7:47 am
These politicians should be thanked for being proactive in the prevention of Sharia Law being applied in our courts. England only wishes now they had been more proactive. Those that brush it off as nonsense have their heads in the sand. It is in the Koran to inact their dictatorial “religion” world wide. Again, thanks elected officials.
Dudogger
February 9th, 2011
7:52 am
What an outright embarrassment for the State of Georgia. Call it overreactionary arm-waving, Teatardly grandstanding, or just good ol’ new age southern bigotry – whatever – I just call it a pathetically juvenile waste of government time and resources in order to pander to the unedumicated, xenophobic masses! But, hey, gotta be proud of them Georgia politicians – doin’ whatever they can to appear legitimate and worthy of yer vote…
candide
February 9th, 2011
7:56 am
You cannot take enough precautions vs, the diabolic DANGERS OF ISLAM.
Larry
February 9th, 2011
7:56 am
Thought the Constitution provides for separation of church and state. Sharia Law is application of religious doctrine on all citizens and is already unconstitutional. Period!
Meant to offend
February 9th, 2011
7:59 am
Reading many of these posts scares me to death about the mental prowess of the average AJC reader. It’s about planning. Predicting future problems and stopping them BEFORE they take root. If previous legislators had done similar things we wouldn’t be involved in these water wars; our transportation system would be better; and HOPE wouldn’t be in trouble.
And to those of you looking for jobs: Get off you gov’t subsidized a$$e$ and start a company, develop a marketable skill or something. Stop waiting for the all powerful government to take care of your sorry selves.
Meant to offend
February 9th, 2011
8:00 am
Dear Larry,
Would you please point to the part of the constitution that provides for separation of church and state?
Maybe you should actually read it before you display your ignorance.
Corey
February 9th, 2011
8:03 am
A prime example of Georgia legislators representing the mind set and reading level(grade 5) of Georgia’s residents. Definitely government by the people, literally.
Joseph
February 9th, 2011
8:05 am
I don’t think we need to honor any laws of any religion or Occults. Even our own President will sue any State for trying to make a law to protect the lawful citizens of that State and when there is that level of disregard for the rule of law, we don’t need any degree of conflict with the “law of the land”. That being the U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights and the State Laws that are already on the books. Those who want to live under any other laws should relocate to what ever country that has laws that they want to live by.
Chris
February 9th, 2011
8:07 am
Sideshow Bill… Please provde me to a link for the Georgia Association of Christian Lawyers
John
February 9th, 2011
8:08 am
Hmmm? Those of you with your heads in the sand:
“Does Sharia law allow a husband to rape his wife, even in America? A New Jersey trial judge thought so. In a recently overturned case, a “trial judge found as a fact that defendant committed conduct that constituted a sexual assault” but did not hold the defendant liable because the defendant believed he was exercising his rights over the victim….The trial judge found that most of the criminal acts were indeed proved, but nonetheless denied the permanent retraining order. This judge held that the defendant could not be held responsible for the violent sexual assaults of his wife because he did not have the specific intent to sexually assault his wife, and because his actions were “consistent with his [religious] practices.” In other words, the judge refused to issue the permanent restraining order because under Sharia law, this Muslim husband had a “right” to rape his wife.”
http://blog.heritage.org/?p=42257
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/11/de_facto_shariah_law_in_americ.html
pete
February 9th, 2011
8:15 am
lets ban all religion laws,since they come from other countries.Then all my rights can be restored.
pete
February 9th, 2011
8:18 am
John dont worry Deal is going to change the rape laws anyway soon it will be legal to rape.
Meant to offend
February 9th, 2011
8:20 am
Haha…Pete…Your mental prowess astounds me.
John K
February 9th, 2011
8:24 am
So I can finally buy beer on Sunday?
willydoit?
February 9th, 2011
8:26 am
I am always amazed at the people who believe:
That cars will one day magically run on rainbows and dreams
The compact floresent light bulbs in their homes will continue to glow without new power plants
There were no WMD’s in Iraq
and that Islam is a peaceful religion that has been hi-jacked by a few radicals.
IslamABAD
February 9th, 2011
8:29 am
“waiting for someone to enlighten as to “effect”mulim have on England”
They’ve ruined England. I’m from England and was back at Christmas. Muslims are EVERYWHERE you look, they don’t integrate and they raise disaffected young men who like to bomb things. Many English are moving out of the country to escape the Muslim tidal wave. Does that answer your question?
Gimmeabreak
February 9th, 2011
8:31 am
These posters prove that 90% of AJC readers are idiots. Sharia law is the goal and they want to be judged by their fellow believers according to their law, not the law of the land.
Clueless Conservatives
February 9th, 2011
8:32 am
Last year the GAGOP passed laws that let us eat road kill. This year they’re focusing on more idiotic bills while we are swimming in debt and have one of the higher jobless rates in the country.
When you vote in partisan, Christian fundamentalist ideologues this is the kind of government you can expect. Wake up people! We’re about to become the national laughingstock… again!
Thunder
February 9th, 2011
8:36 am
Meant To Offend – AMEN!!! You said everything I was thinking.
Dear Jobless, there are many jobs out there if you are WILLING to work. You are the reason this country wastes hard earned taxes on entitlements. Oh and by the way, government can’t create jobs nor wealth. They can only get out of the way and create an environment that is conducive to the private sector creating jobs.
A True American
February 9th, 2011
8:37 am
Don’t we have enough on our hands getting rid of oppressive Baptist law? First things first.
Give me a break
February 9th, 2011
8:37 am
This is America and we have our own laws. Its called the Constitution. The problem is that our laws are not inforced and never will be untill Americans stand up and demand they do so. Americans are treated like criminals while illegals run the streets killing and raping our people. Muslems are taking over our country and laughing in our faces. They now have entire towns that normal people are not allowed into. They own banks and companies. If you dont think they are here and the terriorist groups are a stronghold in this country then you have blinders on. We need the law and I hope it passes.
Mike
February 9th, 2011
8:40 am
Sharia law is only a law of the Muslim religion. It is not a US law and counts for nothing here.
Normal Dad
February 9th, 2011
8:41 am
“inforced?” “Muslems?” I am intrigued by your post and wish to subscribe to your newsletter. (”…while illegals run the streets killing and raping our people.” Cite?)
Cayce
February 9th, 2011
8:42 am
I have to wonder TrishaDisha – how much time have you actually spent in Europe? It’s really easy to repeat something you’ve read on the internet, but a bit more difficult to reconcile that with actually being there. Get out and see the world before you make up your mind. We’ve got no shortage of problems at home and this kind sideshow is a true waste of taxpayers money.
Art Vandelay
February 9th, 2011
8:45 am
Once again, these Republican idiots are trying to solve a problem that never existed. Too bad they’re incapable of solving any that do.
Just one more national embarrassment for Georgia.
bart
February 9th, 2011
8:46 am
What a bunch of idiots we send to Atlanta! Of course the minor issues like the economy, jobs, education, and transportation are getting very little attention. I hope everyone who blindly votes for anybody with an R by their name is happy with the way our tax money is being wasted.
Cutty
February 9th, 2011
8:48 am
What chickenhawks. This is America, and the only way Sharia Law or any other kind of law would rise in this country is if we wanted. Read the First Amendment. It amazes me how republicans always talk about limited government. Must be talking about the laws they don’t like even considering crap like this. Scary little repubs.
ethix
February 9th, 2011
8:48 am
““it shall be the public policy of this state to protect its citizens from the application of foreign laws when the application … will result in the violation of a right guaranteed by the Constitution of this state or of the United States.” ”
It already is policy to prohibit the application of ANY law– domestic or foreign– that violates a constitutional right. Thats why when a law is “unconstitutional” it cant be enforced. Whether it originated here or in Zimbabwe. It doesnt matter.
Roberta Higginbotham
February 9th, 2011
8:48 am
It would have been nice if the article’s author provided a brief definition of Sharia law.
A True American
February 9th, 2011
8:48 am
Let’s not forget that Islam, Christianity and Judaeism are all Abrahamic faiths are are founded on the same example of Abraham: the willingness of a man to kill another man because God told him to.
willydoit?
February 9th, 2011
8:51 am
All the people making fun of this new law will the first ones to cry to the gun carrying Christians to save their worthless pacifist butts when the Muslims take over the world!!
John
February 9th, 2011
8:57 am
I posted a concrete example of how a judge allowed sharia law to supersede our laws. Luckily a higher court reversed the decision BUT it is an example of what CAN happen. Those of you who keep whining about jobs, how about going out and looking or starting a business…oh wait, you don’t want to be part of those evil corporations! Like a previous poster said, government CANNOT create jobs, they can only create an atmosphere that entices those “evil” corporations to open a facility in GA. Reduce taxes, reduce spending…it works! I would bet that half of the whiners (or more) moved here from the frozen north!!! Either that or they were educated at a “liberal” college where everything conservative is bad…
Wondering
February 9th, 2011
8:58 am
Why would anyone be against this law?
Normal Dad
February 9th, 2011
9:01 am
Why would anyone propose this law?
(oh, that’s right – THE BOOGEYMAN IS UNDER THE BED!)
So what's next for these Bozos in the Gold Dome?
February 9th, 2011
9:04 am
A law regulating time travel?
To Thunder: The unemployment problem is not due to people not wanting to work; that is a radically ignorant comment. When experienced and well educated professionals cannot find good jobs that support their families, they are most typically not sitting at home smoking pot and watching cartoons, they are actively looking for work.
The government can create jobs, that’s why they are called government jobs.
Even complete morons with a weak grasp on reality can get one of these government jobs.
For example, here in Georgia, the government job of “State Representative” is filled by a guy named Mike Jacobs who lives in mortal fear of guys on camels with swords bursting into his bedroom at any second.