WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Florida House of Representatives passed legislation opposed by Jewish and Muslim groups that would ban the application of religious or foreign law in marriage, divorce or custody cases.
The bill is one of a number around the country that has sought to limit the influence of Sharia, or Islamic law.
The bill, which passed the House March 1 by a vote of 92-24, was opposed by Jewish and Muslim activist groups, as well as two Jewish Democratic lawmakers.
Jewish Rep. Elaine Schwartz expressed concern that the law could negate divorces that were arbitrated by Jewish authorities, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
The legislation will now move to the Florida Senate, but there is no timetable for when Senate leaders will bring the bill to the floor.
