Oklahoma courts would not be allowed to consider foreign law when hearing cases in a bill approved by the state House yesterday. ECapitol reports the legislation by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Gary Michael Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, voids foreign law contracts if they violate the constitutionally protected rights of the individuals involved.
Voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution putting in place similar restrictions. But a federal appeals court ruled it was unconstitutional.
Kern stressed that House Bill 1060 does not prevent private people from entering into contracts and using foreign law. The bill would only prohibit if it violates the constitutional right of an individual.
She also said because the language in her bill avoids naming Sharia, or Islamic law, it should be accepted by the courts. State Question 755 approved by voters in 2010 specifically excluded the use of Sharia law by Oklahoma courts.
