Arizona lawmakers have passed a bill that would make it illegal for any state court to recognize Sharia law, even though the current law already bans the use of foreign laws in Arizona.
Senate Bill 1018, introduced by Senator Janae Shamp (R-AZ), passed on a 17–12 party-line vote in the state Senate this week. The proposal adds Sharia law by name to the list of foreign laws that courts cannot consider in legal cases.
Sharia is a system of moral and religious guidelines followed by Muslims around the world. While many use it to guide personal faith and daily life, some countries base parts of their legal systems on it.
However, Sharia law has long sparked debate about its place in modern courts.
Sen. Shamp said her bill is meant to prevent any law that goes against U.S. or Arizona constitutional protections.
“We've seen examples nationwide where foreign laws have been invoked to justify outcomes that would never pass muster under U.S. constitutional standards, outcomes that undermine equal protection, due process, freedom of speech, or the rights of women and children and families in inheritance disputes,” she said.
The Bill Includes
The bill expands the definition of foreign law to include any religious or cultural law, custom, or practice that permits or excuses conduct already illegal in Arizona, including:
- Honor killings
- Forced marriages
- Child marriages
- Female genital mutilation
- Domestic violence justified by religious or cultural authority
- Polygamy
- The restriction of a person's freedom based on their gender or religion.
She acknowledged that no such cases have been reported in Arizona but said lawmakers shouldn’t wait for one to happen. “Arizona should not wait for a high-profile case to arise on our doorstep,” Shamp said. “Prevention is a far, far better cure.”
Growing Topic of Discussion
However, this is not a new measure, and Arizona is not alone.
A growing number of states have passed similar laws, including Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee. Texas signed a law in 2025 banning "Sharia compounds" in residential areas, and a national Sharia-Free America Caucus has gained momentum in the last few months.
Shamp makes clear that her bill is not about targeting a religion; it is about protecting constitutional rights and preventing legal conflicts before they reach Arizona.
The measure now heads to the House for consideration.
