There are times when the state does need to interfere in religious observance, to protect all its citizens and ensure that all are equal in the eyes the law
It is a good principle to always be suspicious of any attempt by a government to monitor, regulate or in any way interfere with the religious observance of its citizens. As the founding fathers of America appreciated, religion and state should be separate; the less each interferes with the other’s affairs the better.
But there are exceptions. There are times when the state does need to interfere, to fulfil its overarching duty to protect all its citizens and ensure that all are equal in the eyes of one secular law.
And this is the case with Theresa May’s announcement on Thursday of a Government inquiry into the workings of sharia law and courts in the UK.
It follows growing concern that some of these courts, or councils, may be working in a “discriminatory and unacceptable way”, seeking to legitimise forced marriage and issuing divorces that are unfair to women, contrary to the teachings of Islam. [The Independent] Read more
