By Kate Mansfield

The growth of Islam in the United States has sparked significant discussion in news outlets, conservative media, and social platforms. A primary concern is the incompatibility of political Islam and Shari’a law with the U.S. Constitution and American founding principles. Multiple states have enacted legislation to restrict foreign or religious legal codes in state courts. These measures, often based on the “American Laws for American Courts” (ALAC) model, prevent judges from enforcing foreign laws that violate constitutional rights.

 

Missouri’s “No Foreign Laws Act” (2026)

In May 2026, Missouri passed the “No Foreign Laws Act” (primarily SB 977 and companion House bills), with an effective date of August 28, 2026.

The law acts as a defensive safeguard to maintain the supremacy of the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions in state courts and administrative proceedings. It prohibits courts, arbitrators, tribunals, and agencies from applying or enforcing any foreign law or religious code — including Shari’a — if it violates fundamental constitutional rights such as due process, equal protection, freedom of religion and speech, and protections in marriage, child custody, inheritance, and personal security.

The Act draws from the ALAC model and addresses the risk of parallel legal practices entering through contracts, foreign judgments, or arbitration. It upholds the foundational American principle of one legal system for all citizens, based on individual rights, equality, and secular constitutional governance rather than competing theocratic codes.

Key Exceptions: The law protects legitimate religious liberty. It does not interfere with internal ecclesiastical matters of churches or religious groups (such as doctrine or clergy selection). Voluntary, consensual religious arbitration remains allowed provided it complies with public policy and constitutional rights. It also respects existing Missouri Supreme Court precedents and federal preemption.

 

Clear Distinction: Shari’a Law vs. U.S. Constitutional Law

U.S. Constitutional Law is the supreme law of the land (Article VI). It emphasizes individual rights, equality under the law (14th Amendment), prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment (8th Amendment), free exercise of religion, and the Establishment Clause, which bars government endorsement of any religion.

Shari’a Law (Islamic jurisprudence derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly consensus) is a comprehensive religio-political-legal system. Strict or classical interpretations often blend religion and state power, prescribe different legal rights based on gender and religious status, and include “hudud” punishments such as amputation for theft or severe penalties for blasphemy and apostasy of Mohammed or the Islamic faith. These elements frequently conflict with core U.S. constitutional guarantees of equality, due process, free speech, and religious liberty.

Missouri’s Act reinforces constitutional supremacy while allowing peaceful personal religious practice. It does not ban Islam or private faith observance but draws a firm line against importing conflicting legal systems into public institutions.

 

Growth of Islam in the U.S. and Missouri

The U.S. Muslim population has grown steadily through immigration, higher birth rates, and conversions. Estimates placed it at approximately 4.45 million in 2020 (about 1.34% of the population), with projections for continued increases. Missouri’s Muslim population is estimated at 60,000–80,000, concentrated in urban and suburban areas.

This expansion is evident in infrastructure:

– Nationwide mosques grew from about 2,106 in 2010 to roughly 2,770–3,000 today.

– Missouri has approximately 50–57 mosques, mainly in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia.

– Hundreds of Islamic schools and educational programs operate nationwide, raising ongoing questions about state licensing, teacher certification, and curriculum standards. For example, In May 2026, Texas officials issued a cease-and-desist order against the unauthorized Texas American Muslim University (TexAM – not to be confused with Texas A&M) at Dallas for operating degree programs without required state approval — highlighting regulatory enforcement debates.

 

Implications of a Radical Push for Shari’a in America

While most American Muslims integrate peacefully, efforts to normalize Shari’a-based institutions, family law, or parallel systems pose challenges. These include potential erosion of equal protection (especially for women and non-Muslims), conflicts with free speech and religious freedom (e.g., blasphemy rules), and risks of parallel societies that weaken national cohesion. Documented family court cases involving foreign Shari’a judgments underscore real tensions in divorce, custody, and inheritance matters.

Such radical drives test the limits of religious accommodation, public funding, and equal access to taxpayer-supported facilities. Recent examples, such as disputes over faith-specific events at public venues, illustrate the tension between pluralism and constitutional neutrality.

 

How Can We Respond?

Conservative citizens should respond thoughtfully and proactively. Some options might be to:

  • Support constitutional safeguards like Missouri’s Act or similar legislation in other states.
  • Engage locally: Participate in school boards, zoning meetings, and legislative hearings to ensure consistent application of licensing, certification, and equal access rules.
  • Demand transparency regarding foreign funding of mosques and schools.
  • Look for resources you can use to pray for Muslims in your community. Take a friend and pray in the parking lot of your local mosque.
  • Promote assimilation and integration, while defending robust religious liberty for all faiths — within constitutional boundaries.
  • Vote strategically for candidates who prioritize one legal system, border security, and American founding values.
  • Build coalitions with moderate Muslims and people of other faiths who affirm constitutional primacy.

 

In Summary

Missouri’s “No Foreign Laws Act” is a measured step to protect America’s commitment to liberty and equality under a single Constitution. It allows personal piety and religious liberty for all, while preventing the establishment of competing legal systems.

For the latest bill text and status, consult official Missouri legislative trackers at senate.mo.gov or house.mo.gov. Vigilance and civic engagement remain essential to preserving constitutional principles amid demographic and cultural change.

 

Suggested Resources