The Missouri House gave first round approval Tuesday to a bill that would prevent state courts from making decisions based on foreign law.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Paul Curtman, R-Pacific, contends the measure would ensure courts uphold the fundamental rights of citizens.

Yet opponents of the bill questioned whether such a measure is even necessary. They pointed out that the U.S. Constitution already trumps foreign laws.

Others, including Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, say the bill unfairly targets Islamic Law, known as Sharia.

Nasheed said the bill is “insensitive” to Muslims.

She added that debating the bill was a waste of time and that it would not be upheld in court.

The House approved the bill by a vote of 99-53. With only three weeks left in session, it must get a final vote in the House before reaching the Senate.

– Missouri Digital News