TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Legislature has passed a bill that would make it illegal for state courts or government agencies to rely on Islamic or other foreign legal codes in making decisions.
The Senate approved the bill on a 33-3 vote Friday. The House approved it earlier in the week. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback hasn't said whether he'll sign or veto the measure.
The bill doesn't specifically mention Shariah law, which broadly refers to codes within the Islamic legal system, but several supporters specifically cited its potential use as their concern.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says anti-Shariah proposals have been considered in 20 states, including Kansas. Oklahoma voters approved a ballot initiative in 2010 that specifically mentioned Shariah law, but a federal judge and federal appeals court blocked it.
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