An investigation into how Sharia courts are operating in the UK has been dropped after the inquiry faced “challenges to undertaking more robust research.”
The Ministry of Justice probe was launched due to concerns that some judgments of Sharia courts contravene English law. An area of particular concern is that of divorce settlements for women.
There are understood to be about 85 functioning Sharia courts in the UK.
The ceasing of the inquiry comes after news last week that stickers had been put up in areas of London, declaring them to be ‘Sharia controlled zones.’
The Ministry of Justice stated why the investigation had failed:
“The challenges to undertaking more robust research were that the councils are generally run on a volunteer basis, were short staffed and very busy, so there were practical difficulties in speaking with respondents.
“There was also reluctance to discuss the private work of the councils and respondents were wary of the stereotypical ways in which their organisations were represented in the media.”
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Concern, commented:
“The activity of Sharia courts in this country is shrouded in secrecy.
“The failure of these councils to co-operate with the Government investigation does not alter this impression.
“It is important that the truth comes to light both to ensure that they are complying with English law and for the protection of women and children.”
Baroness Cox introduced a Bill into the House of Lords in April over similar concerns about family law in Sharia courts, particularly the rights of women.
The Bill seeks to guarantee that women in Muslim communities have the same rights as others in the UK and to clear up confusion where the decisions of Sharia courts appear to be binding but are not.
More information can be accessed on the equal and free website where there is also the facility to contact members of the House of Lords about the Bill.
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