ISPU Events:

Examining the Anti-Shariah Movement in America
7/26/2011 1:00:00 AM

Please join the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and the Center for American Progress for a special presentation:

"What Shariah Is – and Isn’t: Examining the Anti-Shariah movement in America"

In recent months, anti-Muslim forces have raised the specter of Shariah usurping the Constitution and destroying the American way of life. Bills have been introduced in more than two dozen states that would “ban” the practice of Shariah law—despite the fact that Shariah is not a collection of laws but a set of diversely interpreted guidelines for religious practice. In addition, no Muslim American leaders are calling for Shariah to override American laws. Banning religious freedom for Muslims is unconstitutional and would have serious consequences for international treaties and for religious expression in other faiths. Join us for an enlightening discussion with a panel of experts who will explain the basics of Shariah, compare its precepts with those of Christianity and Judaism, dissect how it is being used as a wedge issue in political campaigns, and examine the real impact on Muslim American communities.

July 26, 2011, noon – 1:30

The event will be streamed live online. Click here to watch.

Admission is free.

Please RSVP to here.

Welcome by:
Sally Steenland, Director, Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative, Center for American Progress

Opening remarks by:
Shireen Zaman, Executive Director, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding

Moderated by:
Matthew Duss, Policy Analyst, Center for American Progress

Featured panelists:
Professor Asifa Quraishi, Fellow, Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and Assistant Professor of Law at University of Wisconsin Law School

Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President, Interfaith Alliance

Faiz Shakir, Vice President and Editor, Think Progress (CAP Action)