IHEU member organizations One Law for All and the National Secular Society held a successful debate on Islamic law at the House of Commons on Tuesday 28 June 2011. The meeting, chaired by Jim Fitzpatrick MP, explored the merits and legitimacy of Sharia law in the United Kingdom.
One Law for All spokespersons Maryam Namazie and Anne Marie Waters spoke against Sharia. They called for an end to its practice in the UK under the Arbitration Act 1996. Aina Khan, a Sharia lawyer, and Omer El-Hamdoon, president of the Muslim Association of Britain spoke in favour. Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society, made closing remarks.
The event was over-subscribed and the audience included Members of Parliament, journalists, and representatives of women’s rights and other groups. Prior to the debate, One Law for All wrote to every MP and Peer and included a copy of One Law for All’s report entitled ‘Sharia Law in Britain; A Threat to One Law for All and Equal Rights.’
You can find audio links to the debate here: http://www.onelawforall.org.