Texas state Rep. Leo Berman (R), a lawmaker best known for his anti-Obama rhetoric and legislative proposal, has turned his eyes on a new risk -- the creeping threat of "religious or cultural law," and perhaps most importantly, Sharia.
Berman's legislation would mandate that "A court of this state may not enforce, consider, or apply any religious or cultural law." Though it includes no direct mention of "Sharia," a subsequent interview would suggest that Berman, like other Republicans such as Nevada GOP Senate candidate Sharron Angle, maintains some unwarranted fear that Islamic law is cropping up in America.
"A lot of federal courts are referring to international courts and laws of other countries. We want to make sure our courts are not doing this, especially in regards to cultural laws," Berman said, according to The American Independent. "If that includes Sharia law, then so be it."
A law targeted more expressly at Sharia in Oklahoma was struck down by a federal judge last year. U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange ruled that the measure, designed to prohibit any consideration of Sharia law in courts and voted upon by nearly 70 percent of Oklahomans in November, was an infringement on First Amendment rights.