Thank You, Mayor Van Duyne

A problem for states across the country became a public policy controversy in Irving, Texas last week. The city’s Mayor, Beth Van Duyne, decided to oppose the establishment in her city of the first Islamic tribunal in America. She’s being viciously criticized for doing so.

The tribunal’s proponents have declared their ambition to have it serve as a model for similar shariah courts elsewhere. They assert their Islamic law must be applied, even where it conflicts with the U.S. Constitution.

Fortunately, the Irving City Council voted to reject the tribunal and endorsed legislation that would prevent any such anti-constitutional foreign law from being practiced in Texas courts. A Texas House Committee will be considering such legislation today. Eight other states have adopted similar protections. Irving is showing why it’s needed.