Okla. referendum on Islamic law ‘unconstitutional’

DENVER ­­— Oklahoma’s referendum against state judges considering Islamic law is unconstitutional, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Jan. 10, upholding a lower court ruling that had blocked the measure.

The ruling could affect more than 20 other states where laws against Shariah are under consideration.

In a 37-page ruling, the 10th Circuit’s three-judge panel dismissed assertions by lawyers for Oklahoma that the law did not discriminate against Muslims.

“That argument conflicts with the amendment’s plain language, which mentions Shariah law in two places,” wrote 10th Circuit Judge Scott Matheson.

The Denver-based judges said that courts should be wary of meddling in voter referendums, but that minorities’ constitutional rights must be protected.