Christian Concern's Islamic Affairs Director responds to news that British police have been referring victims to sharia councils.
The Sun has reported that police in West Yorkshire have advised two women to contact their local council. One domestic abuse victim called the police and was given the number for a sharia council. The other told the police that her ex had threatened to take her daughter to Pakistan and was given the same advice. Both incidents occurred in 2014, even though sharia councils have no legal standing.
It is widely reported that there are around 85 sharia councils operating in Britain. The Home Secretary, Theresa May, recently announced an independent review into sharia law, as we reported here. In its statement the government acknowledged that there is evidence of these sharia councils discriminating against women. It is shocking to now find that police have been referring women to these councils. No woman should ever be referred to a sharia council by a member of the police. Sharia councils should not be dealing with domestic abuse which is potentially a criminal offense. Kidnapping is also a criminal offence.
The police spokesperson is quoted as saying:
"It is not a common practice. We recognise them only for matters that are not for the police."
This spokesperson is therefore openly saying that they recognise sharia councils. This shows the extent to which these sharia councils have already become a de-facto parallel legal system. If the police are referring women to them this further legitimises their practice even though they undermine the fundamental principle of one law for all. We hope that the independent review clearly concludes that sharia law is incompatible with English law and suggests ways to stop these councils from continuing to discriminate against women. The police should be given clear guidance never to refer people to sharia councils.
Related Links:
Cops tell domestic abuse victims to call local sharia council when they rang for help (Sun)
Domestic abuse victim who called police was told to try her local Sharia council instead (Mail)
Independent review into sharia law