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Central Standard

The Rise Of Anti-Sharia Legislation

Most religions have rules, guidance, law of some kind. Christians look to the teachings of Jesus, or the commandments. Jewish people turn to Torah. And Muslims look to Shariah—the code of Islamic law that guides everything from what to eat and how to dress to bigger questions—like resolving marital disputes, or punishing violent crimes.

Guests Raj Bhala, a Rice Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean for International and Comparative Law, University of Kansas School of Law; Mahnaz Shabbir, an active member of the local Muslim community, past president of the Heartland Muslim Council; and Ryan Boyer, a law student at KU, explore why American legislatures and the U.S. Congress are talking—and have been talking for years—about religious law.

They also explore just what Sharia is and why it matters. And we’ll hear why so many states have made a point of banning Sharia. Kansas has already done so and—if the governor signs the bill waiting on his desk—Missouri will too.

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As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.
As managing podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I want to feed your curious mind, offer historical context so you understand why things are the way they are, and introduce you to the people working to make a difference behind the scenes. Reach me at hogansm@kcur.org.
Matthew Long-Middleton has been a talk-show producer, community producer, Media Training Manager and now the Community Engagement Manager at KCUR. You can reach him at Matthew@kcur.org, or on Twitter @MLMIndustries.