Ontario Considers Adopting Sharia Courts

(Toronto) The idea of recognizing Sharia law in Ontario to settle civil and domestic disputes among Muslims has been bounced around since last year and now the government appears to be taking it seriously.

According to a report from the Toronto Star, former NDP Attorney General Marion Boyd recommended that Sharia-based tribunals be established. Ms. Boyd advocates that custody and family disputes be resolved outside of the provincial family-court system using Shariah principles.

Understandably, many people are troubled by the idea, prompting Premier Dalton McGuinty to say that if Sharia were adopted, everything will be fine and the rights of women "will not be compromised." Nevertheless, few are feeling the warm and fuzzies about the whole scheme. In fact, an international campaign has been launched.

From the National Post:

An upcoming international demonstration designed to pressure Queen's Park into rejecting shariah courts continued to grow yesterday, even as the premier promised any decision on a faith-based court system will not jeopardize women's rights.

Obviously, McGuinty's assurances are not convincing.

My take is that Sharia law is the antithesis of freedom and equality. Even though Canada has a liberal socialist view of democracy, I don't think that Sharia law will be adopted. Remember, in some parts of the world, people are beheaded and stoned to death in accordance with Sharia law. It simply has no place in a free society.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.