Allah's Cowboys http://www.snopes.com/politics/

Quote:

---

Allah's Cowboys

http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/shariatexas.asp

Rumor: Sharia law has been established in a jurisdiction in Texas.

False

Also....

So while there is an Islamic mediation center in Dallas, the tribunal neither possessed nor claimed any ability to supersede extant laws in its jurisdiction, either civil or criminal. Parties are not obligated to participate in the mediation it offers, nor does the center have any power to operate outside the law or enforce any settlements it may reach.

Similar faith-based mediation centers are offered as an alternative to costly litigation, but ultimately, all citizens and residents of the United States are subject to the laws of its jurisdictions, and no such entity has the ability to override existing laws or enforce illegal contracts or agreements.

On 20 March 2015, Dallas' D Magazine published an article titled "Anti-Muslim Sentiment in Irving (And the Imam Who Has to Tolerate It)" that addressed various political responses to the media controversy over the Islamic mediation center, including the Irving City Council's voting in favor of a bill "that would forbid such tribunals from using foreign law in their rulings (which is already illegal)":


A few facts worth noting:

Most important, the tribunal is not affiliated with the Islamic Center. Imam Zia is one of four members who constitute the tribunal. Its official address is in North Dallas, but the tribunal meets about twice a month for hearings wherever they can find a suitable office (usually in Arlington).

Second: despite [Mayor] Van Duyne's claims, the city of Irving has taken no stance on the center or the tribunal (which, again, isn't even in Irving). It did issue a statement saying that the city wants residents to obey the law and that Irving "is proud to have one of the most diverse ZIP codes in the United States."

---