DESPITE the fact that Islamic (sharia) law is generally thought of as a threat to social cohesion in Britain; that it serves Muslim women badly, and that it is opposed by many Muslims themselves, including Shahid Malik, the Labour MP – it continues to grow in influence the UK .
This is most likely because most British citizens seem either unaware of how great this threat is – or worse, are simply indifferent to sharia.
Or they may have fallen for the honeyed words of sharia apologists such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, or the Lord Chief Justice who believes that “the principles of sharia law could play a role in some parts of the English and Welsh legal system”.
Here is a speech Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers gave earlier this year.
Lord Chief Justice Phillips sees a role for sharia in the UK
This indifference is reflected in the relatively small number of signatories – just over 5,700 as of today – to an anti-sharia petition currently being run on No 10.Gov.uk – the official site of the Prime Minister’s office.
The petition, sponsored by Dawn Hamilton, reads:
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Stop Sharia Law from being binding in law under arbitration tribunals rules. Sharia law can be enforced in this country by the county and high courts. This is allowed under rules of arbitration when both parties in the dispute agree to give the tribunal (in this case a sharia court) the power to rule on the case. We state that this should be stopped, as sharia law is totally contrary to western values of fair and equal justice for all.
The deadline for this petition is January 1, 2009. Let’s rally and show No 10 that there are a significant number of people in the UK who oppose this alien, primitive system, and have no wish to see it gain a foothold in this country.
UPDATE – Dec 3, 2008: The PTT blog informs us that The One Law for All campaign against sharia law in Britain is to be launched at the House of Lords on International Human Rights Day, 10 December.
The Freethinker was founded in 1881 by GW Foote, an outspoken critic of religion. After the publication of 
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm
That’s because the petition is wrong. Shariah law can’t trump British Law, even if both parties agree to give a Shariah court power to rule. So the Human Rights Act etc still applies.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:11 am
It seems that certain elements in the government are quite happy to support what basically amounts to vigilantism.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I don’t want sharia law in the United Kingdom. I don’t want sharia law anywhere in the world. It is about controlling other people. I am a christian and think that there is only one truth Jesus Christ and his loving message he preached to others. That is how we all should live by. And the 10 commandments. Then this world would be a perfect world indeed. I don’t believe in stoning women for adultery, chopping off people’s hands ect. This isn’t how people should treat others. There are other ways to dealing with problems.
Alot of the reasons why people break the law is because the rich take advantage of the poor. Why do you think so many people steal in the first place? Why do you think women run off with other men? Maybe because they are not happy in their lives and society and goverment law makes them go like that for example people stealing. I am not saying it is right for them to do that but it is the reason why they might be doing it. When we look at the reasons behind it we can help sort out these issues.
Just like the prophet mohammed live by peace not imposing religious hatered on to others. The muslims need to read their own Qur’an as they don’t really follow it. Muslims, christians and Jews have lived in peace for centuries without persecuting one over the other. It is only since in recent times this has come about. Let us all respect all faiths and live in peace and harmony with one another and stop judying each other for all the different belief’s. Were all different and were all God’s creation. So let us all remember that and not to forget it!
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
“Muslims, christians and Jews have lived in peace for centuries without persecuting one over the other.”
Theresa, what planet are you on? From the very inception of their respective mono-theistic religions, adherent have been at war with believers of opposing faiths, and, more significantly at war with those of their OWN faith. How many schisms in Christianity have led to war and persecution by opposing Christ addicts? Ditto in Islam, where major differences exist between the Sunni and the Shia factions. There are major splits in Judaism too.
The problem is religion itself. It is the greatest obstacle to peace and an enemy of reason, and it needs to be eradicated completely!
February 19th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Actually their is only one way to salvation the jewish and christians faith is the true God. I have heard the voice of God like Moses. And my friend Marcus you need Jesus christ in your life he is the son of God. And nothing you can say can change that. I use to persecute christians and now I am one of them. You will be to. Amen I am praying for you tha you will recieve salvation for your lost soul. Praise be to God!!!!!!!
February 21st, 2009 at 10:10 pm
“I have heard the voice of God like Moses”
Teresa, say slowly after me: “I MUST keep taking my medication!”
July 29th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
We must oppose this because this religion as, unlike other minority faiths, Islam expects everybody to be interested.
Beyond that, what's with the global Jihad? Sharia has found its way to Nigeria, using arms. So we have a forward movement of Sharia and we need to wake up.
Non-beleivers are entitled to their opinion, and this message is not to evangelise, but it is to mention thst at one time religion or its lack didn't matter – but that's because religion/faith was a personal option and not a global forward movement.
I'm not into Allah really, but that, of course saying that is barely permissible, so how does it look to say I'm not really into Jesus either, I'm an atheist, I've decided a long time ago, when it was okay to not like religion/s and say so.