Hysteria over 'sharia courts' in Scotland is unjustified

Published on Sunday 12 October 2008 21:34

One's ears prick at the hysterical discord that surrounds the issue of sharia law every time it is mentioned in the media (your report, 9 October).

It is impossible to have a rational debate until people recognise that sharia deals with many aspects of day-to-day life, from business and banking to hygiene and social issues.

To date, there have been no demands from any Muslim organisation or institution in Scotland for the introduction of "sharia courts".

I also understand no official talks have taken place, and not a single religious leader or mosque representative has been involved in any conversation with the Warwickshire-based Muslim Arbitration Tribunal .

I agree in principle with Islamic, Jewish or any other religious arbitration tribunals as long as they do not contravene British law. These tribunals are there for private disputes and work only if both parties agree to take part.

NOMAN TAHIR

Scottish-Islamic Foundation

Royal Exchange Square

Glasgow

Like the Kirk, (Letters, 10 October) we support the introduction of sharia courts in Scotland for members of the Muslim community.

In cases of domestic violence or abuse of women, we feel that sharia courts would give Muslim women the opportunity to resolve their disputes without recourse to the criminal law.

By using sharia courts, Muslim women and their partners would not have to appear in open court and risk the public humiliation of a criminal conviction for domestic violence.

A guilty finding in a sharia court for domestic violence would not result in a criminal conviction and therefore would not appear in a Disclosure Scotland police criminal records search, thus avoiding the potentially devastating effects on the job opportunities of the male partner, particularly in sensitive areas.

I STEWART

Convener, Atheist Scotland

Park Avenue

Dundee

It is outrageous that the establishment of sharia courts in Scotland is even being considered.

I believe that if Scotland allows these courts to deal officially with Muslim domestic issues, it could only be a matter of time before the full sphere of sharia is incorporated.

MICHAEL CONN

Braid Mount

Edinburgh