UK Home Secretary Orders Probe of Sharia Courts Due to Discrimination against Muslim Women

Home Secretary Theresa May has ordered an independent probe of the UK Sharia courts amid increasing apprehensions that the courts works contrary to the welfare of women in Muslim communities. The Daily Mail reports that, Mrs. May addressed the Home Affairs Select Committee last week, and has said that she is cognizant of the situation and promised that an independent probe will start in the new year, which will evaluate the extent Sharia is being applied in an improper manner.

The Home Office admits that its understanding of Sharia law is "inadequate" and that further review is needed, writes Sputnik News. Mrs. May also told MPs that only one rule of law should be followed in the UK and that we should never allow an alternate justice system based on religion to operate in contrary to UK laws.

Breitbart adds that the probe was established following claims that the courts cornered women into staying in abusive marriages. There was even an incident where a judge allegedly laughed at a female plaintiff, even questioning her decision making abilities.

Last month, a petition which calls for the closure of UK Sharia courts was delivered to the Prime Minster. One Law for All campaign member, Maryam Namazi, delivered the petition and said "by following religious courts to operate, we are saying that Muslim or Jewish Women do not have the same rights as others in this country; this is unacceptable."

Since the framework for the inquiry is still being established, there is still no appointed independent reviewer. An initial report is expected to be submitted to the Home Secretary in 2016.

Lord Ahmad, the Minister for Countering Extremism, said that "the Government is committed" to probing the Sharia courts in order to understand if it is being applied in ways contrary to UK laws.