Friday 2 April 2010

Opinion piece on Sharia Councils

Mark Pritchard, [Conservative MP for The Wrekin], Shropshire Star, Blog: Sharia Councils ‘undermine social cohesion’, 2 Apr 2010 "Since the 1996 Arbitration Act, Government ministers have allowed Islamic tribunals around Britain to rule on a range of financial disputes, provided both parties agree to accept the court’s decision. But in recent years, these tribunals have developed into fully fledged Sharia Councils – allowed to settle new disputes, such as divorce, family law, and faith issues. These powers go well beyond the letter and spirit of the original legislation and whilst they provide new ways of dispensing cheap justice they do not always dispense fair justice." As we stumble towards a general election, expect more opinions on Islam from various perspectives. Other opinions are available....