Governor Jay Nixon has vetoed legislation that would have barred the use of foreign laws, including Islamic Sharia law, in Missouri courts.
Governor Jay Nixon
Nixon says barring the consideration of foreign laws in Missouri could have interfered with the adoption by Missouri parents of children from other nations. That was also one of the arguments made by legislative Democrats speaking in opposition to the proposal when it came before the House.
Representative Mike Colona (D-St. Louis) called it a waste of time.
“We’re talking about the boogeyman and sharialand having laws that we want to be prevented from even looking at.”
Representative Paul Curtman (R-Pacific) says the adoption concern is a false argument.
“This has already been governed by U.S. law through the Hague Convention, through the Uniform Child Custody Act, both of which are already American law, so that’s a non-issue.”
Nixon also says the law could have interfered with wills, trusts, marriage and divorce decrees and contracts, and enforcement of judgements made in other states when they involve foreign law.
The bill cleared the legislature with margins that could overturn the governor’s veto, if no lawmakers switch their votes.
The legislation is SB 267. View Governor Nixon’s veto message here.
