.... The review, which was chaired by Islamic theologian Prof Mona Siddiqui, proposed the state creating a body which would "design a system of self-regulation of sharia councils, including a code of practice". The body would include sharia council panel members and family lawyers, and could be used to monitor and audit compliance with the code of practice.
The Home Office said it would "not be taking forward the review's recommendation to regulate sharia councils".
"Sharia law has no jurisdiction in the UK and we would not facilitate or endorse regulation, which could present councils as an alternative to UK laws.
"In Britain, we have a long tradition of freedom of worship and religious tolerance, where many people of different faiths follow religious codes and practices, and benefit from their guidance. The Government has no intention of changing this position."
Stephen Evans, the NSS's CEO, said regulation risked "being a halfway house towards sharia becoming de-facto law". [National Secular Society] Read more
