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May launches review into Sharia Law

Home Secretary Theresa May has launched an independent review into the application of Sharia Law across England and Wales. The review comes as part of the government’s Counter-Extremism Strategy and will explore the ways in which Sharia Law is being misused or exploited in a way that may discriminate against certain groups and cause social harms. Professor Mona Siddiqui, an expert in Islamic and inter-religious studies, will char the review and will lead a panel of experts including family law barrister Sam Momtaz, retired high court judge Sir Mark Hedley and specialist family law lawyer Anne Marie Hutchinson. Siddiqui, said: “It’s a privilege to be asked to chair such an important piece of work. At a time when there is so much focus on Muslims in the UK, this will be a wide ranging, timely and thorough review as to what actually happens in Sharia councils.” The move follows evidence that some Sharia councils may be working in an unacceptable way, seeking to legitimise forced marriage and issuing divorces that are unfair to women, contrary to the teachings of Islam. May said: “Many British people of different faiths follow religious codes and practices, and benefit a great deal from the guidance they offer. “A number of women have reportedly been victims of what appear to be discriminatory decisions taken by Sharia councils, and that is a significant concern. There is only one rule of law in our country, which provides rights and security for every citizen. “Professor Siddiqui, supported by a panel with a strong balance of academic, religious and legal expertise, will help us better understand whether and the extent to which Sharia law is being misused or exploited and make recommendations to the government on how to address this.”

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