Are You Kidding? – UK Investigates Discrimination Against Women in Sharia Courts

When I came across a headline announcing the United Kingdom’s investigation into Sharia courts on the basis of discrimination against women, I couldn’t help but think it was some sort of grim parody. But it isn’t. 

As Europe’s Muslims population increases, so does the prevalence of Sharia courts. Such courts have been in operation for a number of years, and although they have no legal power, they do serve thousands of British Muslims in financial disputes and divorces.  

These courts, which have been under parliament’s scrutiny for some time now, fall under the purview of the ISC (Islamic Sharia Council), an entity designed to provide legal ruling and advice to Muslims throughout the UK. 

As announced this week by British Home Secretary Theresa May, the UK has launched an investigation to determine if Sharia law is being used to discriminate against women. May’s announcement comes after numerous accusations that such courts are abusing their powers to favor men in divorce cases and to “legitimize” arranged marriages.

“A number of women have reportedly been victims of what appear to be discriminatory decisions taken by Sharia councils and that is a significant concern” wrote May in a letter to parliament. “There is only one rule of law in our country, which provides rights and security for every citizen.” 

Sharia law certainly provides rights and security for every citizen – as long as you’re a man. Sharia law considers women to be inferior to men. Here are a few examples:

• A man has complete authority in all aspects of marriage, including sex.
• A man can beat his wife for virtually any reason, as long as the punishment is “not excessive.” 
• All rapes are blamed on the female, who is then stoned for her “crime.” 

According to May, the purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not the ISC has overstepped its bounds “in a discriminatory and unacceptable way.” The investigation, which involves two imams (Islamic worship leaders) and a group of religious scholars, is said to be a part of the government’s counter-extremism strategy. 

Author’s Note: Islamic religious law is infamous for its mistreatment of women. Everyone knows that. Why put on this farce of an investigation when parliament could simply vote to ban the ISC from operating? It seems the United Kingdom has joined the growing number of countries that are more concerned with political correctness than with the safety of their own people.