I believe most Americans have heard the term ‘Shari law,’ usually used in anti-Muslim rhetoric to fan the flames of fear that Muslim Americans and Muslim immigrants are intent on imposing this form of law in America. Sharia law is a form of law based upon the Koran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It differs from Western law in two major aspects. “ In the first place, the scope of the sharia is much wider, since it regulates the individual’s relationship not only with neighbours and with the state, which is the limit of most other legal systems, but also with God and with the individual’s own conscience.” “The second major distinction between the sharia and Western legal systems is a consequence of the Islamic concept of the law as the expression of the divine will.”1
So why do I bring this up? It is becoming more and more apparent the religious conservatives who seem to be taking over the Republican party are intent on imposing their own Christian version of Sharia here in the United States. Even though there has been a longstanding separation between church and state in this country, there are those that are hell bent on tearing down those walls. Mike Johnson, the current Speaker of the House, has said as much. One just has to look at what is going on around the country to understand this is a true, looming menace that threatens this country and the principles upon which it was founded.
In Oklahoma, Rep. Jim Olsen has filed legislation to require public schools to prominently display a 16 inch by 20-inch poster of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Despite the fact the Constitution states this is a land of ‘religious liberty’ I presume Olsen would object to equally prominent displays of words from the Torah or the Koran or any other religious document. Representative Olsen clearly understands this issue, should it become law, will be challenged in court. That said, given several conservative leaning courts recent rulings in favor of Christians’ ability to express their religious beliefs as they please, e.g., refusing to provide services to gay couples; praying on the field at football games; etc., he is clearly hoping the court will rule in his favor. That will be another chink in the wall between church and state.
Will it only be a matter of time before these people want to unleash an American version of the infamous ‘morality police’ we currently identify with Iran. As you recall, they are the ones whose overzealous efforts to enforce the wearing of hijabs by women in Iran resulted in the death of a young woman and subsequent violent riots. The fact is, we are close to that now.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade was the result of a minority of people trying to impose their view of morality and ‘right and wrong’ on the entire population. They are now engaged in litigation to try to ban the dispensing of abortion pills through the mail. They have passed many anti-trans, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-gender affirming care laws. Although they try to dress these laws up under the guise of ‘protecting children’ they are, in fact, attempts to impose their concept of morality upon the rest of the population. This is absolutely no different than the use of the morality police in Iran.
Here in Montana, a bill went into effect Jan. 1st to require internet sites with “a “substantial portion” — or 33% — of “harmful” or adult content to require “reasonable” age verification in an attempt to protect minors from pornography which the bill refers to as “a public health crisis.”” This is from the same state legislature who argues that background checks for gun ownership and red-light cameras are an invasion of privacy and who constantly rail against ‘government overreach.’ Not to mention that any Tom, Dick, or Harry living in Montana can legally carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The fact is the number one leading cause of death for children these days is guns not pornography! But this is just another example of the new ‘Christian morality police’ trying to impose their own views on everyone else rather than using the legislature to solve real problems.
Since these zealots are so concerned with protecting children and since childhood obesity is a true public health crisis, I assume the logical next step would be to require all stores to lockup Twinkies, Ding Dongs and candy bars so no child can purchase them or, if they are with a parent, the parent must provide a note from a doctor (certified by the Christian morality police) saying that it is OK.
The question is, “Where will it stop?” When will the majority of Americans stand up and tell this Christian minority to ‘mind your own damned business and start solving real problems!’ There is no place in America for Christian sharia law or morality police. Period. Full stop.
