American Muslims and constitutional law experts say that bills to prevent the use of a specific kind of Islamic code in courts are frivolous measures meant to spread fears and sow suspicion of Islam.
The Montana Legislature is one of the states considering a bill to prohibit the use of foreign laws.
Senate Bill 97's text doesn't single out any religion or culture, but both proponents and opponents believe that the intent of the law is clear.
Supporters argue that proposals in foreign law bills like Montana's SB97 aren't overly anti-Muslim but are instead vital acts of legislation proposed in order to safeguard constitutional rights for average Americans.
"What I know of Sharia law—it really shouldn't take place in America," said Sen. Keith Regier (R)-Kalispell, the bill's sponsor.
"But 97, it doesn't single out any group or any religion, any tribal law, or anything people bring over. It's just reaffirming that we will follow our constitution," said Regier.
But attorney's say Montana's constitution is not under threat by a foreign law or policy.
"It's never happened, not in the history of Montana," said Dr. Paul Pope, who received his Doctor of Arts in Political Science and is a Constitutional Law professor at MSU: Billings.
Dr. Pope says that this bill, and other like them in legislatures across the nation, only serve as symbols of xenophobia.
"Therefore, Montana law, regardless of what is is, is subordinate to federal law and the U.S. Constitution," said Pope.
Dr. Pope says that civil liberties are in no way at risk of foreign laws doing anything in Montana.
"It's a completely useless act. It changes nothing is passed, it protects nothing if passed. They're just using this to look like they're doing something, that they're protecting rights, that they're siding with American culture as opposed to foreign culture," said Pope.
The Republican controlled legislature passed SB97. It now goes to the Governor's desk for consideration.
