April 11, 2011
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2012 candidates stake out positions on sharia
Sharia law is quickly becoming a hot-button topic on the campaign trial, as conservatives debate the role of Islam in the United States and the conservative movement. The exact mechanics of how sharia, or Islamic jurisprudence, is threatening the United States are unclear, but some conservatives point to cases in New Jersey and Florida that they say underscores the need for a blanket ban on using foreign law in the United States.
The issue resonates with many GOP primary voters and legislators in the early primary state of South Carolina is considering a ban on sharia law that might force some more 2012 contenders engage on the issue. We've rounded up how the various 2012 candidates have positioned themselves on the issue so far.
Tim Pawlenty, facing questions about a sharia compliant mortgage program: "The United States should be governed by the U.S. Constitution, not religious laws."
A spokesman: "As soon as Gov. Pawlenty became aware of the issue, he personally ordered it shut it down. Fortunately, only about three people actually used the program before it was terminated at the Governor's direction."
Sarah Palin, on sharia: "Whether it be just affecting a segment of the population, a demographic, certainly not in its entirety all over our country, Americans will not stand for this because Americans are smart enough to know Sharia law, if that were to be adopted -- allowed to govern in our country, it will be the downfall of America. And too many Americans are onto this already and are starting to rise up and send that message to our federal officials and say, no, we will not put up with any hint of Sharia law being any sort of law of the land."
Newt Gingrich, on sharia: "We should have a federal law that says sharia law cannot be recognized by any court in the United States," Gingrich said to a standing ovation from the audience. The law will let judges know, Gingrich said, that "no judge will remain in office that tried to use sharia law."
Rick Santorum, on sharia: "We need to define it and say what it is. And it is evil. Sharia law is incompatible with American jurisprudence and our Constitution."
Herman Cain, on Muslims and sharia: "Asked whether there would be a place for a Muslim appointee in Cain's administration, Cain flatly said "No.""
"There is this creeping attempt to gradually ease Sharia law and the Muslim faith into our government. It does not belong in our government," he told a Think Progress blogger.
Gary Johnson, on sharia: He told a gathering of supporters in December that he had his "ear to the ground" on the sharia issue when asked by a voter.
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