Williams was merely suggesting that competent consenting Muslims be allowed to choose Muslim arbitration panels applying Sharia principles rather than traditional civil courts applying tradition U.K. law.

In the U.S., the Amish do that, the Mormons do that, some Jewish sects do that.

The only question -- and it's a legitimate question -- is to what extent women are considered "competent consenting adults" in insular Muslim communities.

But this story is being blown totally out of proportion.
KipEsquire | Homepage | 02.10.08 - 8:53 am | #

I appreciate your comment but disagree.

You say "In the U.S., the Amish do that, the Mormons do that, some Jewish sects do that." Do what? I have never heard of an Amish or Jewish group stoning a woman or of harboring such severe views as Sharia. Mormon fundamentalists do practice polygamy but they do not get a pass on this in the US and get prosecuted.

Having separate laws for individual group when those laws violate that country's protection of the individual and human rights provisions is appalling.
Leonardo | 02.10.08 - 4:06 pm | #