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Bill

HR 8017

Defeat Sharia Law in America Act

119th Congress Introduced by Andy Biggs and 3 co-sponsors

Bill prohibits U.S. courts from recognizing or enforcing Sharia law, establishing constitutional law as supreme over all religious legal codes in American proceedings.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8017

Legislative bill overview

HR 8017 proposes to prohibit the application or enforcement of Sharia law in U.S. courts and legal proceedings. The bill would establish that no court in the United States shall recognize, enforce, or apply any foreign or religious legal code that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution or state laws. It includes provisions to protect individuals from coercion to submit to religious legal systems.

Why is this important

This bill addresses concerns about potential conflicts between religious legal frameworks and American constitutional law in the judicial system. The legislation touches on fundamental questions about religious freedom, legal pluralism, and the primacy of constitutional governance—issues that affect how courts handle faith-based dispute resolution and personal law matters.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of what constitutes "Sharia law" application may be vague; it could potentially affect legitimate religious arbitration and mediation practices (such as faith-based family law arbitration) that operate within constitutional limits
  • First Amendment questions: Critics may argue the bill raises concerns about religious freedom and free exercise protections, particularly regarding consensual religious arbitration between willing parties
  • Practical enforcement challenges: Courts already apply constitutional supremacy; critics argue this bill may be largely redundant with existing legal frameworks while creating unnecessary restrictions on religious communities' internal dispute resolution

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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