South Carolina General Assembly
124th Session, 2021-2022

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Bill 1303

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Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

INTRODUCED

May 3, 2022

S. 1303

Introduced by Senator Harpootlian

S. Printed 5/3/22--S.

Read the first time May 3, 2022.

            

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO CONDEMN THE GOVERNMENT OF SOMALIA FOR ITS OPPRESSIVE AND VIOLENT TREATMENT OF WOMEN AND CHRISTIANS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SHARIA LAW.

Whereas, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia declares Islam as the state religion, bans the propagation of any religion other than Islam, and prohibits the enactment of any law that is not compliant with the general principles of Sharia law; and

Whereas, the constitution purports to promote human rights, to require that women be included in all national institutions, and to allow the freedom to practice his or her religion; and

Whereas, the Somalia Parliament unanimously voted to make Sharia law the national law of Somalia in 2009; and

Whereas, the practice of sharia law is applied as both a civil and criminal code that is notoriously oppressive and violent, particularly against women and Christians; and

Whereas, the practice of Sharia law in Somalia has given rise to capital punishment as a sentence for a wide variety of offenses, often without giving the accused party sufficient legal defense or adequate time to appeal a guilty verdict before sentencing; and

Whereas, extremist groups, like al-Shabaab, have interpreted Sharia law to be excessively cruel with regards to conversions away from Islam or behaving outside of the boundaries provided for women; and

Whereas, al-Shabaab has attacked targets throughout Somalia, pressuring citizens to adhere to a strict, extreme version of Sharia law, as well as killing, injuring, and harassing persons suspected of converting from Islam or failing to adhere to the group's religious edicts. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate condemn the government of Somalia for its oppressive and violent treatment of women and Christians under the provisions of Sharia law.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the government of Somalia.

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This web page was last updated on May 3, 2022 at 9:07 PM