Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Snopes digs up the truth about Sharia Law in Michigan

After reading on the Internet the article about Dearborn, Michigan, being the first city in the United States to implement Sharia Law, I questioned how this could be possible here, as it is directly against the U.S. Constitution. After a little research, Snopes, “the definitive Internet reference source for urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation” as it defines itself, gave me the answer.

Claim: Dearborn, Michigan, has become the first U.S. city to implement Sharia law.

Question: Is there any validity to this story?

Snopes reported that the story is false. And here is why.

The original story that exploded on social media and many people referenced was published Oct. 28, 2013, in the National Report. The article stated that Dearborn, Michigan (a city with a historically large Muslim population), had become the first U.S. city to implement Sharia law. The article read:

“In a surprise weekend vote, the city council of Dearborn, Michigan voted 4-3 to become the first U.S. city to officially implement all aspects of Sharia Law. The tough new law, slated to go into affect Jan. 1, addresses secular law including crime, politics and economics as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, fasting, prayer, diet and hygiene.

“The new law could see citizens stoned for adultery or having a limb amputated for theft. Lesser offenses, such as drinking alcohol or abortion, could result in flogging and/or caning. In addition, the law imposes harsh laws with regards to women and allows for child marriage.”

Many who read the article mistook it for a genuine news article. However, the article was just a bit of satire from the National Report, a website that publishes outrageous fictional stories such as “IRS Plans to Target Leprechauns Next,” “Boy Scouts Announce Boobs Merit Badge,” and “New CDC Study Indicates Pets of Gay Couples Worse at Sports, Better at Fashion Than Pets of Straight Couples.”

The National Report’s (since removed) disclaimer page noted that:

“National Report is a news and political satire web publication, which may or may not use real names, often in semi-real or mostly fictitious ways. All news articles contained within National Report are fiction, and presumably fake news. Any resemblance to the truth is purely coincidental.”

To see for yourselves, go to: http://www.snopes.com/politics/satire/sharia.asp#oukPQTTcl3QUtFwa.99

Although Muslims have not been able to implement Sharia Law in this country, there are several “no go” cities in several states where non-Muslims venture at their own risk.

We should also be aware that students on many campuses across the U.S. are finding their freedom of speech is hindered by threats, harassment, intimidation and imposed “loyalty oaths”—a pledge foreswearing taking trips to Israel sponsored by certain Jewish groups—by pro-Palestinian groups (see the article “Anti-Israel campaign at UCLA echoes of McCarthysim” on page 4).

 
 

Reader Comments1 — 5 of 7

Katterkat writes:

The Muslim Mosques are no go zones. You have to make an appointment to be able to go into one. I remember even Obama had to make such an appointment. Its just like the Native Reservations. Non Native police are not allowed unless they are called upon by the Reservation police deportment. I know this from living in Tucson AZ. I lived right next to the Tohono O’odham Nation. They had a guess speaker speak at our meetings where I worked in home services.

Rmplstlskn writes:

Very good article. The first comment, Buzsaw must be an especially hypersensitive human being. For whatever reason, they scare themselves ooknto thinking you Cant go to certain places, cities or states. Although it is true that specific Bars or Ethnic neighborhoods are very intimidating, there are no states , towns or stores that are ever barred or posted as No-go zones. Your own fear is what bars you, this is still a great country, but its not because of the president, it's the people.

Buzsaw writes:

There are No no-go zones for non-Muslims? You must Think we are all incredibly naive. I am a White female and there are no-go zones for me. Just like there are no-go zones for just about every ethnic group you can imagine. It should not be so but it is. I know because I'm a retired cop and I used to have go into those zones sometimes. For the rest I can't speak of. But you're credibility is now in doubt. Lie about one thing.....

SulaymanF writes:

Good article, up until the end. There are no No-go cities, nor are there loyalty oaths. Citations needed for those.

SulaymanF writes:

Good article, up until the end. There are no No-go cities, nor are there loyalty oaths. Citations needed for those.