(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 1/10/2012)-  The Oklahoma Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) today welcomed a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit upholding a lower court decision to block implementation of an Oklahoma constitutional amendment that would prohibit courts from considering “Sharia law” and “international law.”

In response to a lawsuit filed in 2010 by Muneer Awad, the Executive Director of CAIR-OK, the lower court blocked implementation of the “Save Our State Amendment” based on arguments that it would unconstitutionally disfavor an entire faith and deny Oklahoma’s Muslims equal access to the judicial system.

SEE: NEWSOK-Federal judge keeps Sharia law restriction out of Oklahoma Constitution

Immediately after the decision of the lower court, the Oklahoma attorney general's office filed an appeal, and that process culminated with today's decision which read in part:

"Federal courts should be wary of interfering with the voting process, but we agree with the district court that 'it is always in the public interest to prevent the violation of a party's constitutional rights.'"

SEE: 10th Circuit Court Decision

“This is an important reminder that the Constitution is the last line of defense against a rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry in our society, and we are pleased that the appeals court recognized that fact,” said Awad. "We are also hopeful that this decision serves as a reminder to politicians wishing to score political points through fear-mongering and bigotry."

Dr. Imad Enchassi of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City (ISGOC) recognized the decision as an opportunity for reconciliation. "We always had confidence that the Constitution would prevail, but we are praying that Oklahoman's can put this chapter behind us and allow the spirit of unity and respect for one another to prevail as well," he said.

Awad noted that Oklahoma’s anti-Sharia amendment is just one of more than 20 similar pieces of legislation introduced in state legislatures nationwide.

SEE: PR Newswire - Penn. Interfaith Leaders to Challenge Anti-Sharia Bill

CAIR-Oklahoma is a local chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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http://twitter.com/#!/cairoklahoma

Contact: Muneer Awad, 405-248-5853, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For More Information on this case, and Sharia Law, view CAIR-Oklahoma's State Question 755 Resource.

CAIR Attorney Gadeir Abbas and CAIR-OK Director Muneer Awad outside the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver (9/12/11)	Press Conference Announcing Challenge to State Question 755 (11/4/10)