OKLAHOMA CITY // A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban
Oklahoma courts from considering international or Islamic law
discriminates against religions, and a Muslim community leader has the
right to challenge its constitutionality, a federal appeals court said.
The court in Denver upheld the US district judge Vicki
Miles-LaGrange's order blocking implementation of the amendment shortly
after it was approved by 70 per cent of Oklahoma voters in November
2010.
Muneer Awad, the executive director of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma, sued to block the law from
taking effect, arguing that the Save Our State Amendment violated his
First Amendment rights.
"This is an important reminder that the
Constitution is the last line of defence against a rising tide of
anti-Muslim bigotry in our society, and we are pleased that the appeals
court recognised that fact," Mr Awad said. "We are also hopeful that
this decision serves as a reminder to politicians wishing to score
political points through fear-mongering and bigotry."
Anthony
Sykes, who led the Senate effort to get the measure on the ballot, said
on Tuesday he would continue to fight to lift the injunction.
"The federal appeals court in Denver attempted to silence the voice of 70 per cent of Oklahoma voters," Mr Sykes said.
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