SB1018

THE CONTEXT: Currently, statute defines foreign law as any law, rule or legal code or system other than the Constitution, laws and ratified treaties of the U. S.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would expand the meaning of foreign law by adding sharia law, state that foreign law includes a foreign, religious or cultural law, custom or practice that allows, condones or excuses: a; the honor killing of a person or honor-based violence; b; a forced or coerced marriage; c; a marriage involving a minor that violates a law in this state; d; female genital mutilation or cutting; e; the physical punishment of a minor that constitutes abuse pursuant to the laws of Arizona; f; domestic violence or spousal abuse that is justified by cultural, religious or family authority; g; restricting a person's liberty or rights if based on gender, religion or family honor; h; denying a person equal protection or due process; i; polygamy where prohibited by the laws of Arizona; or j; any conduct that violates Arizona criminal law, and make technical and conforming changes.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to make the government process for foreign law more definite and accountable. It would expand the meaning of foreign law by adding sharia law, and would also state that foreign law includes a foreign, religious or cultural law, custom or practice that allows, condones or excuses: a. the honor killing of a person or honor-based violence; b. a forced or coerced marriage; c. a marriage involving a minor that violates a law in this state; d. female genital mutilation or cutting; e. the physical punishment of a minor that constitutes abuse pursuant to the laws of Arizona; f. domestic violence or spousal abuse that is justified by cultural, religious or family authority; g. restricting a person's liberty or rights if based on gender, religion or family honor; h. denying a person equal protection or due process; i. polygamy where prohibited by the laws of Arizona; or j. any conduct that violates Arizona criminal law, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.