Independent review into the application of sharia law: call for evidence
Updated 23 January 2019
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As you may be aware I have been commissioned by the Home Secretary to chair an independent review into sharia law.
This review will explore whether, and to what extent, the application of sharia law may be incompatible with the law in England and Wales. It will examine the ways in which sharia may be being misused, or exploited, in a way that may discriminate against certain groups, undermine shared values or cause social harms.
Many British people of different faiths follow religious codes and practices, and benefit from the guidance they offer. Some religious communities also operate arbitration councils and boards which seek to resolve disputes. There is, however, some evidence that sharia councils may be working in a discriminatory manner.
I believe that it will be vital to hear a wide range of views and experiences from a variety of sources across the country. Therefore, I am writing today to invite your views and experiences of sharia councils in England and Wales.
I would like to hear from you if you have relevant knowledge, expertise or experience on the use of sharia law, and especially if you:
- work or have worked as part of a sharia council in the last 5 years
- have used a sharia council in any capacity in the last 5 years
Please provide a summary of your experiences and your contact details. We will endeavour to consider all evidence, however, due to the volume of responses it may not prove possible to arrange meetings with all contributors.
If you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential and not to be disclosed in a public report please make this clear in your submission to us.
Thank you in anticipation of your responses.
Professor Mona Siddiqui