Oklahoma Rep. Gabe Woolley has introduced House Joint Resolution 1040, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit the use of Sharia Law or similar foreign legal codes in Oklahoma courts. Woolley argues that Sharia Law is a political ideology disguised as a religion that threatens constitutional rights such as women’s rights, free speech, and freedom of expression. The resolution aims to reaffirm the authority of the U.S. Constitution and protect individual liberties in the state.

This effort follows a 2010 Oklahoma amendment, the Save Our State Amendment, which also sought to ban Sharia Law but was struck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals and never implemented. Woolley believes the current political climate makes it an appropriate time to revisit the issue to prevent Oklahoma from experiencing legal and cultural challenges seen in places like Dearborn, Michigan. If passed by the state legislature, the amendment would be placed on the ballot for voter approval during the upcoming legislative session.