SENATE BILL 58 – APPLICATION OF FOREIGN LAW IN CERTAIN CASES

SPONSORED BY: Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla

DATE FILED: Nov. 19

What it says: SB 58 aims to prevent foreign or religious laws from being used in Florida courts in the place of state or federal constitutional laws.

What we say: This is another iteration of the so-called anti-Sharia law that failed to pass muster last year. Though Sen. Hays argues that it’s merely a pre-emptive measure meant to clarify legalities specifically in cases of child custody and divorce, the bill has been frowned upon by the Islamic community as a maneuver to inspire more Muslim hatred. The Florida Bar’s Family Law Section likewise dismisses the law as unnecessary and confusing. There have never been any cases where the law would actually apply.

Odds of passage: Frighteningly possible. Six other states have gotten away with it – though Oklahoma has suspended its version of the law pending litigation – and the House, which passed the bill last year, is moving its companion bill forward accordingly.