At a press conference for the newly formed Sharia-Free America Caucus, Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ) stood alongside fellow lawmakers to back a bill that would prohibit foreign and religious legal systems from being enforced in U.S. courts.
The bill, introduced by Congressman Keith Self (R-TX), is called the Preserving Our Constitution Act. It would prohibit federal courts from recognizing or enforcing any foreign or religious laws, customs, or practices that conflict with the U.S. Constitution.
Crane is among a small group of co-sponsors, which also includes fellow Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ).
Crane framed the legislation as a defense of the country's founding principles. "I cannot believe that on the eve of our 250th birthday, we have to sit here and fight to preserve the Constitution, our Bill of Rights, our way of law that has provided so much opportunity, freedom, and prosperity for so many Americans," he said. "But here we are."
Furthermore, Crane argued that foreign ideologies incompatible with the Constitution constitute a serious long-term threat to the country.
"I am a firm believer that the biggest threats to the United States of America are ideologies right here," he continued, adding that the legislation would prevent such systems from "taking over and usurping the Constitution."
Bill's Priorities
The bill covers a range of specific scenarios, including blocking courts from enforcing contracts that require disputes to be resolved under foreign legal systems that don't provide constitutional protections, and from recognizing foreign court decisions based on laws that conflict with fundamental American rights.
It also identifies specific practices it considers incompatible with the Constitution, including forced or underage marriage, polygamy, restrictions on religious freedom, and punishments prohibited under the Eighth Amendment.
Supporters say the bill builds on similar laws already enacted in multiple states. Critics have raised concerns that broad legislation targeting religious legal systems could infringe on First Amendment protections.
With America's 250th anniversary approaching, Crane made clear he sees the fight as far from over. "It will continue to be a fight," he said, "and I'm glad that I'm not alone in it."
