Council on American-Islamic Relations responds to Florida anti-Shariah bill
Responding to news that state Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, has filed what one right-wing organization is dubbing an “anti-Shariah” law, Nezar Hamze, executive director of the South Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, tells The Florida Independent that Hays’ bill could impact believers in all faiths and that its filing shows Hays is “disconnected” from his constituents and Florida’s “real problems.
According to a state Senate summary, Hays’ law “specifies the public policy of this state in applying the choice of a foreign law, legal code, or system under certain circumstances” and that “certain decisions rendered under such laws, codes, or systems are void.”
Hamze responded to news of Hays’ legislation via email:
“„I see an impact on all religions regarding marriage contracts, wills, and burial rights.
“„So any follower of any religion would not be able to practice there constitutional protected right and practice there faith in executing any of the three mentioned above.
“„The most troubling issue is that State and Federal law already trump International Law. Adding another law that restates laws already in place is a waist of taxpayers money.
“„Senator Hays has shown how disconnected he is from his constituents. We have real problems on the ground that we are looking to our leadership to address. Unemployment, gas prices, crime, economy, helping small businesses grow, helping law enforcement, helping education improve and energy independence. If he is trying to win political points with this bill he has lost his way as a Senator.
Hamze says he called Hays’ office to discuss the bill but received only vague answers. He says he wants to know why the lawmaker filed this bill and who helped draft it.
Hays’ office has not responded to Independent questions about his bill and the fact that the controversial group ACT! for America is calling it an “anti-Shariah” law.
