Category: Religious Expression
Bill Summary
Would ban courts from using “religious sectarian law” in their decisions, which sounds great… EXCEPT there’s a provision stating unless it’s “based on Anglo-American legal tradition and principles”. This translates to white Christian nationalism and is an attempt to marginalize non-Christians and the non-religious. Courts should not use any religious laws, whether that’s canon law. Sharia law, or the 10 Commandments. This is a loophole that will be used to sneak in religious historical British and American law; for example, the The Supreme Court used a 13th century British law to justify taking away abortion rights. Plus, the “originalism” doctrine of interpreting the Constitution keeps us mired in the 17th century, when women and non-white people had no rights
Our Position
OPPOSE
Link to Bill:
https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/bills/SB1573P.htm
Bill Sponsor:
Wendy Rogers