Are you people utterly insane ? No. I know you are not. Why in the name of all that is good do you then adapt 12th century legislation into 21st century society ? Find out wich of the people you elected into office committed this offense against democracy and then stop voting for these gimps.

Jon de Linde, Copenhagen, Denmark

OMG! I can't believe you gave in! If you go to Saudi Arabia, are they going to give you the same priviledge? "Oh, I'm sorry my ankle is showing, but I am British. Yes, I know I'm drinking a pint, but I'm British." You wouldn't expect them to bend their rules and they shouldn't expect more of you.

Michelle, Midland, USA

Our country, our laws. Come to Briatin expect to adopt the civil practice in place. If i went to Saudi Arabia would I get one off my hands cut off for stealing. Probz.

Micahel, Livingston,

The point is not that these "courts" exist but that they are backed up by our judicial system. If people want to resolve boundary disputes or things of a similar nature within their community then I have no problem with that but don't make our courts and our police enforce those decisions.

Colin, Peterborough, UK

Appalling!

We Froggies were so proud of you, our old cherished enemy, when you were fighting Hitler alone in the summer of 1940!

What happened to you? More than any other country in Europe you are capitulating without a fight to the darkest ideology ever conceived.

BL from Occupied France

Bernard Laudon, Toulon, FRANCE

Mr. Churchill and the words he spoke in 1942:
"Never give in, never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy".

Betsy, Chicago, USA

Britian has been a bastion of law for all the world for centuries! There are no buildings, now towns in all the western worId as great as London. Don't let this happen. Tell them NO - GO BACK TO YOUR MUSLIM COUNTRY. NO. Fight them - or your children and mine will have to.

Betsy , Chicago, USA

Religious courts cannot be impartial because they have an imperitive to promote the religion.

The comment in the article is but a single example: there is no point saving a marraige when the parties are incompatible: life only happens once and religion would condemn them to squandering it.

Vin Patel, Blackburn, uk

It is all very well to pillory the BNP, and accuse them of being thugs and criminals, but they have been warning against the Islamification of Britain for many years. That Islamification is comng ever nearer thanks to the insanity of a government who have let alland sundry into the country.

Terry, Oswestry, UK

'If they want Islamic law let them go to an Islamic country', say several people. That is the point , they want this as an Islamic country. to that degree there is no such thing as a moderate Muslim. That is what they are all after, and they won't stop until they gat it. I will vote BNP from now on.

Terry, Oswestry, UK

A country can have only one set of laws. England is just asking for more problems

Walter F Bleiler Jr, Melbourne, USA

As an American who has visited the UK and who understands the insanity that is any Government, I have to say that allowing Sharia Law into Britain is brutally stupid. English law took a thousand years of evolution to reach its current state of tolerance. Now What? 7th century legal standards???

Yodan, San Jose, Calif, USA

What ever happened to civil values? What happened to the seperation of Church and State? We are more than tollerant of other people's beliefs but for religious people to be allowed to warp and corrupt our secular and humane laws is unacceptable. We need to act now before it's too late.

Nick, Cupar,

I saw this coming and its only going to continue. Sorry to say, it's time for me to leave my Country.

Price, London, UK

Ah, here comes the Jewish courts vs the Muslim courts. Guess what that is a diversionary tactic. There is no comparison. Any Muslim that wants this type of law is evil. Plain and simple. This form of "law" will destroy the UK. I'm glad I read this article, I will be stepping up efforts to rid in US.

greg jones, Santa Fe, United States of the America

It seems to be a day where we go back to the stoneage. Stoneage is the right word for this - because following the Sharia means cruel rituals like killing people with stones.The islamic rules are full of discriminations against people who are not muslim! Animals seems to be more smart than mankind.

Marc, Berlin,

i have read soo many harsh comments against sharia law even before its results,I thought british people were open minded but looks like i m wrong
Do british people know the taste of coke before they driink it? or they find, whats the taste of coke after drinking it? Ask yourself

siraj, london,

Utter nonsense. The liberals who are cheering this will regret it once the sharia law transforms from a treat for the few to an enforced islamist agenda for everyone.

Robert, Helsinki, Finland

In the Bible it states that a man can sell his daughter into slavery, oh yeah, very forward thinking. Let us not forget how women are treated in West, highest no.of teenage preganancies, divorces a plenty resulting in single women bringing up children,a multi £m porn industry exploiting women

david, Todmorden, Uk

Its nice to see how many people care about this. The majority is against it yet we all accept it! Its true, this is a political issue and not a religious one yet sharia law is founded and based on MUSLIM doctrine. If you don't like England's CHRISTIAN law then......

Frankie, london, uk

Sharia is dangerous. Anyone can set up. It is unregulated. It allows wide personal interpretation and is open to corruption. Takeyya in koranic systems allows lies and deception. One London victim agreed in sharia to be paid off by a stabber. So the rich can stab anyone. Women watch out!

ali, Bradford, UK

Appalling.

Larry, stratford,

Great - two justice systems and in a christian country. This should never have happened. One law for one country - we are bending over backwards for the minorities, while the majority get forgotten about or just dismissed without a second thought.

Chris, s'bury,

islam gave all you women the right to work and vote. so why do you take those rights in step and now think that us muslim women are opressed? pick up a history book we're not oppressed it was you women being treated as slaves our women have dignity unlike you western women we don't flaunt ourselves.

fatma, london, UK

Stand up to defend your Homelands my bretheren. Europe is the hope for Freedom and Reason. Do not sacrifice your freedom, your culture, and the future of your children and people, please. When you visit a friend you abide by his house rules, if you are not happy YOU LEAVE! he doesnt change the rules

Luke Morley, Port Macquarie, Australia (Proud of European Heritage)

Will the last person to leave Britian, please put out the lights! I don't take credit for that line, but I do feel this is one of the most abject capitulations in world history. Why can't the liberal world understand this - Muslims want to conquer lands where they are minorities. They hate everybody

Rakesh Simha, Auckland, New Zealand

Why spend all this money to set up sharia courts? Is this coming out of our taxes? What about more police or may be clean hospitals for british tax payers not health tourists from the middle east! This is all our fault because we let our elected leaders please themselves....just look at tony blair!?

Frankie, london, uk

"The Geneva Conventions borrow heavily from Shar'ia law.. "
Waqas Ahmad,"

Perhaps Wasqas would be good enough to provide some examples? Or perhaps (as is more likely) he is just making it up!

Kevin, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

To those who see this as simple arbitration: it's not. it's the thin end of the wedge...

Dave, Liverpool, England (but wish it was elsewhere)

I don't think this is right. It's not the Islamic aspect of it, Christianity and Judaism are equally as absurd. The whole point of a Judicial system is to attempt to reach a fair, unbiased decision, which is impossible in a court room clouded by belief in magic and god given entitlement.

Paul Copley, Los Angeles, USA

Indians commenting on this site all I got to say to them is llok after your own affair's with Hindu fanatics running wild in India..

Tim, London, United Kingdom

Officially these courts are non-binding, but I wonder what social pressures there will be for people to attend these courts and abide by their decisions. Hopefully they will be monitored so that they are free from Sexism and Homophobia. Assuming those concerns are allayed, I see no problem.

Neil, Manchester, UK

Those who have a problem with Shari'a law know this:

The League of Nations, precursor to the UN, adopted many of its human rights laws from Shari'a law.

The Geneva Conventions borrow heavily from Shar'ia law.

Don't comment on Sharia when you don't know anything about it.

Waqas Ahmad, Nashville, USA

Ian If two equal parties wish to submit themselves to arbitration that is fine.What you are not grasping is that so many of the women who will be attending these tribunals do not start equal.Why does anyone in the UK think that a religious marriage service performed by an Imam at home is adequate

Greta, Slough, UK

Makes you wonder what deal has been done for this to happen? and with who

or are they just trying to buy votes

knight, aberdeen, uk

You have misrepresented what is happening here. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods are well established; all that is happening is that Muslims who would prefer to resolve problems using sharia principles are being allowed to do so. No chopping off of limbs, no flogging.

Mark, Reading, UK

The Uk is a Christian country if people want to live under sharia law then perhaps they should move to a Muslim country .

andrew , brighton , uk

Recipe to Disaster! Now a muslim in UK can marry as many as 4 women and flood UK with muslim population. The Imam who announced that UK will be a muslim country by 2020 was indeed right. English Law is gone, now it is Sharia law.

Shaan, Chennai, India

This scares me as a liberal so i bet Conservatives are really terrified!!
I fear that the rights of muslim women will be even less than they are now, due to the overwhelmingly misogynistic views of many muslim men.
There should be a closing of this legal loophole to protect those who're affected

salima, wolverhampton,

This is a really, REALLY bad idea, and leads British Muslims further down to road of seperation from the rest of the country.

Owen, London, UK

sanna, brum, w.midls

You have got to be joking! This is the 21st century where women have responsibilty for families, not the 4th when they just did as a man commanded! Mind you then they probably didnt have to go out to work!
Sharia is indefensible in any 21st century country, especially here!

Carol Asacret, Cambridge, Cambs

I strongly support Saria law in Britain, do u know why! terrorist will get death penalty at the site. Simple. not like present UK laws they hav more rights then innocent people.

baseer, Luton, UK

Sanna Muslims in the UK are amongst the poorest. They do not have the economic power to care for an extended family We the taxpayer will end up the patsy when women are financially disadvantaged and have no pension or inheritance.
A system built around rural life cannot work here.

Nigel, Basingstoke, UK

There is no such thing as Sharia "law". In Britain, only one system of law exists. It is vital the that Muslim and Jewish systems of unofficial arbitration are not confused with law.
If the people of these faiths wish voluntarily to submit themselves to this arbitration, then so be it.

Ian Ringer, Lostwithiel, UK

This is a very sad day especially for women. How long before Muslim men will be allowed to marry 4 women and beat them with a stick as long as the stick is no thicker than his thumb as allowed by Islamic law. Jews don't proselytize and they don't want to convert the UK to Judaism unlike Muslims.

Fred, London, UK

This is absolutely disgusting; sanctioning a two tier legal system where some individuals, such as muslim women, will be treated as second class citizens. It goes against everything the british legal system is supposed to represent.

Victoria, london, uk

This is a mistake, Sharia Law is not British Law. This is unjust for the people of Britain!

Mary, Colorado Springs, USA

Not too much to say about this other than having read somewhere several years ago the Muslims indidated the UK was the first target to aquire. Seems they have there feet planted firmly on the ground.

Bert Lasagna, Charlotte, NC, USA

An absolute disgrace. I can feel my blood pressure rising. Would Christians get similar privileges in Muslim countries? I think not. What this government has done to this once great country would take generations to put right. And people wonder why the BNP are becoming more and more popular...

Peter, London,

Thank God I live in the USA. It is hard to believe after a thousand years or so of British stiff upper lip you are handing your country over without a fight.

In the USA we'll fight to keep our law and our women safe.

Stand up before it s to late.

Rico, USA

rico biasetti, Boston,

theres nothing wrong with shariah led tribunals. muslims go to these tribunals voluntariliy! its got nothing to do with anyone else!
in relation to inheritance thers a reason y men get more, men have a family to maintain, whereas women would hav a husband who has the financial maintenance role...

sanna, brum, w.midls

James Cornwall. Jewish women are not disadvantaged worldwide. Muslim women are.Also Jews in the UK have no trouble at all pledging loyalty to the Queen.Whereas Muslims in the UK seem to want to veil up which is the uniform imposed on women by those killing our soldiers.Serious disloyalty.

Neil, St Andrews, UK

Aaron yes it is entirely the job of the State to protect its citizens from violence . When this is domestic violence this does mean coming between a man and his wife. It is also the job of the State to insist on equality because otherwise the taxpayers will be footing the bill for the disadvantaged

Ben, Haywards Heath, UK

Oh grow up the Jews also had their own TRIBUNALS for over 100 years and yes domestic violence must alway's be dealt with British law not sharia.

Tim, London, United Kingdom

What happens when there is a dispute involving a muslim and a non-muslim ? Which legal system takes prioirity?

Michael, Edinburgh,

1- we are talking here mainly about Arbitration Tribunals not about a new parallel legal system.
2- in so many countries religious miniroties have their own arbitration tribunals
3-it is not the job of the state to force its law between a man & his wife if they both prefer religious arbitration..

Aaron Shavit, Manchester, UK

Unlike Sharia courts, Jewish courts haven't had a long history of sentencing females to death by stoning simply for appearing in public with an unrelated male counterpart.

Dave, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Acts like this do nothing but cause segregation. If foreign immigrants do not wish to integrate and abide by our laws then they have clearly made a mistake by coming to this country in the first place. If you decide to emigrate to Spain would it be reasonable to expect them to drive on the left?

Andy, london,

Have relatices from Britain They are not happy said Muslim's are destroying there country , Something is very wrong allowing this to happen , To many are not nice and before you know it , they will own the UK I hear France is having there problems Wake up , wake up your goverment NOW

Carol, Los Angeles, United States

No uproar of the Jewish courts that have been around for 100 years, islampohbic on the rise in britian. Jewish courts have been passing rulings for 100 years does that mean the the Jewish rabbis have been breaking british law millions of times and laughing at our system.

James, Cornwall,

Guess the title and words will need to be changed....

"Allah save the Queen"

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Good Lord, what is happening to the UK. Muslims, like every other non-Christian group, CHOOSE to live in the UK - which is Christian country. I can see more and more parallels between the UK today and Germany in the 30s. We stand a risk of alienating the masses, who will turn agains the minorities.

Steve, Newcastle, UK

So begins the death of British Common Law, one of the greatest insitutitions of western liberal democracy. And the start of a new dark age for all of us.

D. Fitzsimmons, London, Canada

Sharia Law or any other religious law should have NO place in the UK. If people want to come and live in the UK then that is fine but expect to abide by the existing laws in place. If you cannot do this then leave because you really shouldn't be living here if you ignore our laws.

Rob T, London, UK

It seems to me that having inclusive and flexible ways of handling civil law is deeply democratic, not an "erosion of [a] democratic institution".

This is about local communities. People posting here seem to be attributing their issues with global politics to it, which is unbelievably simplistic.

Jon, Leeds, UK

If you want to live in Britain and be a British citizen, then you need to obey British law. British visitors to Islamic countries have to obey Islamic law, so why is it different the other way round?
We're a nation that's lost our own identity because we're too scared to stand up for it.

James, Stamford, UK

How can you do this to yourself, Britain? You are turning back the clocks, quietly accepting the erosion of your democratic institutions. WHY WHY WHY?!?

Joseph, LA,

I don't understand why the people of the UK are allowing their country to be taken over by Muslims. Surely they understand that there cannot be two sets of laws. A country divided cannot survive! Sir Paul MacCartney was threatened with death if he performs in Israel. What does Shiria Law say?

Tobi Ruth Love, thousand oaks, USA

This is what multiculturalism brings. The only way to appease separate ethnic groups each following very separate moral codes is for each group to have absolute rule over its own members. Sadly this does not work in anything but theory. Bet Enoch Powell doesn't seem so mad now, eh?

Ben, London, England

The British people are pathetic, first to allow the Trojan Horse of Islam into your country--and then to allow them to take over and ruin your country. But they couldn't do it without the complicity of foolish, ignorant and immoral Britians.

C.R., NYC, USA

TICK-TAC TICK-TAC one step at the time soon will we be there, one legal system for all "Sharia Law"!!

And for all I mean all of Europe!!!

Helena, London, UK/SE

How rediculas it is...I was thinking Us and Europe people are secular...but I was wrong....I both parties want to go for Islamic law..wat is the problem...and it is not for civil court..it range is very limited....

saif Ali khan, Bombay, INDIA

A secular society should have secular justice. This is completely unacceptable - all British citizens and residents or visitors to these shores should be subject to nothing but secular law. Anything else is fundamentally unworkable! Just another nail in the coffin of democracy and multiculturalism.

Chris, Nottingham,

Terrorists use every last twist of British law to stay and suck up benefits ,Yet the very religious want to deny British Muslim women the protection of our law. Labour may get the votes of Muslim men but no one else will ever vote for them again.

Michael, Reading, UK

Those who call this just 'arbitration' forget that these women won't actually have a choice to go with the Sharia or not, they will have to accept. Can you imagine the reaction from the community? To Muslims who support, we will have more respect for you when you speak out against your atrocities.

jelli, Birmingham, uk

From the very beginning of Islam the whole drive behind Muslims and "the message" was and is to convert the world. Just let me know when the first non-Muslim is held accountable to one of these "courts". That is when the other shoe will fall. God save Britannia and all of her culture.

PaulBinSD, San Diego Ca., USA

Alex The religious courts that have existed have only ever ruled on religious matters such as a religious not civil divorce. The Sharia courts are VERY different from existing religious courts.Women are treated less well than under our law.Sharia treats them so all over the world. Its unacceptable

Neil, Glasgow, UK

Adolf Hitler never succeeded in his attempts tosubmit UK to german nazi law . Muslims have managed to do what Hitler failed to obtain : Having a foreign fascist law , sharia , ruling british citizens .
I'm french , so I don't have to tell British citizens what they should do , but ...

docdory, Rouen, France

This is so wrong, if they want sharia law then they should go elsewhere, this is the United Kingdom, we have our own law and do not need any other.

tom, Caernarfon, Wales

Interesting to see when our courts are establish in Muslim countries

Jon, Worcester,

I think we need to be wary of the 'cuckoo' tendencies of Islam. Political correctness seems to assume that its beneficaries are always noble and ideal.

Nick, London, UK

Understand the concept of Arbitration proceedings and their enforceability, and yes parties are free to arbitrate should they wish to.

However, what happens when a Arbitration delivers a judgement that is incompatible with the Law.

Devil, detail and ever thickening wedge.

Willie Mac, Arden, Scotalnd

America is about to elect a gun toting, moose-shooting, self made woman as Vice President.

Bonnie, Erie, U.S.A.

Wow, Bonnie, you almost make me want to hop on the bus to Nuneaton and ask to become a Muslim!

Paul, Coventry,

Booth A lesser inheritance for women is based on a rural system of trying to keep land together. It is unsuitable in the UK. And domestic violence is a criminal matter not a civil one and needs to be.The Beth Din do NOT rule on criminal matters.

Fred, Bradford, UK

These comments have given me a good laugh. I disagree with seperation of Sharia and British law but to suggest that we'll become an Islamic country is utterly ridiculous. Why would the white British majority vote in an Islamic gvt? To vote BNP on this issue would bring in their other vile policies.

Margot, Fife,

As a British citizen I would have appreciated somebody asking me what I though about such a monumental decision like this!
This constant appeasement has to stop, Muslims in Britain are free to practice their believes, which is correct, this has crossed the line. Spineless leadership=Politicians

Scott Trow, Leamington, UK

It is understandable that religious courts are allowed to decide civil matters in the same way as can any other framework of mutually accepted binding arbitration. What I cannot understand is how domestic violence - a clearly criminal affair - can be dealt with by religious courts.

BDL, Beit Shean Valley, Israel

This is no slippery slope, as europe surrenders itself to islam, england is just saying look, you all immigrated here and after thinking real hard, we've decided that assimilation can never work because of our collective brain disease "liberal thought" will not allow for "common sense". islam wins

rick, mesquite, usa

If both parties have to agree to give the court authority then I don't see the problem. It's arbitration. They allow it in other circumstances when parties don't want to go through the normal court proceedings. Not allowing muslims to have the same rights is simply racist and predjudice.

Shellie, Chicago, USA

Rob in Lexington USA, you have just epitomised the arrogant stereotype of what americans look like from the outside world. You all taint islam with the same brush as those fanatics that shout jihad when in actual fact they dont speak for Islam at all just their own political views.

Booth, Bristol, UK

This warrants direct action if ever anything did - a protest to disrupt these things. It is an utter outrage.

In the 1980s, I was active in the Anti-Fascist League. Never before have I even considered giving money to the BNP. Today, my hand hovers over my cheque book.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

This is the slippery slope to anarchy,

Douglas, Greenock,

The majority of comments here are paranoid and ignorant. Parallel religious courts to decide civil and minor criminal matters are not new, as the article points out. The sharia courts are no different to the provisions that have existed for years for Jewish communities, and pose no threat to UK law.

Alex, London, UK

This most obviously is a result of British culture's inability to synthesize with different cultures living within its borders. The class society is outdated and futile. British saxons need to realise they share their island with other people NOT of the same background.

george, Oxford,

Wow - so many Americans telling us Brits we are doomed.

Hmmm, your country is up for sale and the Chinese are buying it!

Odd to think that Lehmans went to Korea with a begging bowl. Which war was it when US invaded Korea - sorry not 'invaded' but protected.

Alex, London,

The UK is in denial about the threat of this cult , the government is insane to allow this and how dare they sanction it. As a woman, and atheist, I totally oppose it. I feel more anger towards the government and institutiions for aiding and abetting this madness, in the name of pc compliance.

vj, london, uk

yet another concession to foreigners in our own country...one law for all was good enough up till now.my father did not fight for this country in ww2 for 6 years only for it to be given away .

mal, london, uk

Stop jumping on the Labour-bashing bandwagon and think for yourself. This was allowed under a law introduced by the Conservatives, so don't use this for your juvenile "Labour suck, let's vote BNP!!!!" rhetoric.

Denise, Houston, TX,

Terrifying. It is to be hoped that women across the land will rebel against this quiet undermining of their rights. Strongly agree with PK, London below: non-religious courts and tribunals alone should have the power to rule on issues that are not religious in the narrow theological sense.

F., Oxford, UK

I wouldn't have wished that to our worst enemy, not even to l'Angleterre!

It's Munich everyday, it's submission to dhimmitude without fighting. "Submission", that's the meaning of Islam.

In the name of Richard the Lion Heart, of Wellington, of Winston Churchill, wake up, you dear old Brits!

Asterix, Toulon, FRANCE

I think it's ridiculous to invoke the Beth Din courts in this article as some sort of precedent. Bet Din courts decide religious issues such as whether something is kosher. As far as I know, they don't rule on issues like domestic violence. So they are not a precedent.

Inna, Sacramento, USA

I would strongly urge all to settle down and watch the DVD-Islam: What The West Needs To Know (58 minutes). Included are scenes from locations in England. It leaves no room for doubt as it relates to Islamic Absolutism.

C.A. Fulghum, Pinehurst, NC, USA

If people choose to live in Britain whether muslim, jewish or whatever, they MUST accept that non-religious courts & tribunals alone will decide the law e.g. for marriage, violence, children etc
The ONLY allowed religious tribunals should be for matters peculiar to religion e.g. prayers, practice.

PK, London,

Go to the Number 10 Downing Street website and sign the 'Stop Sharia Law in Britain' petition.

Do it now.

Or - don't complain!

It may be marital, domestic issues now - and that's bad enough - but it's a slippery slope.

BlairSupporter, London, UK

There goes the country.....

Chad, London,

Time to vote for common sense- vote for the BNP!

Toby, Blackburn, Britain

Sorry Rob from Lexington, USA.

It's here, and it's in Texas of all places. It's been in place for 6 months. Google "sharia courts in Texas".

Jeff, Post Falls, Idaho,

Too bad you Brits gave up your guns. That was your first mistake. If our idiots in Congress or the White House, (whoever they may be after November), should try to implement such a thing here, We The People would rise up, and make the first American Revolution of 1775 look like child's play.

Rob, Lexington, USA

"Show me just what (you know who) brought that was new, (censored), such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -

Manuel II Paleologus
This from a man who delt with Muslims in the 14th century, still rings true today.

PaulBinSD, San Diego Ca., USA

'Have any one of you ever met a radical/extremist muslim? NO! '

Actually I have, friends of mine lived with one who handed out flyers on why the attack on the twin towers was right.

Having said that I never actually had an issue with the guy and he was quite polite (if a little nutty)

Ben, Berdyville,

You're all being naive. The jews have had their own legal system for over 100 years and no one complained. But when the Muslims get their legal system.....................

a, Northamptonshire,

I think this wa thing few of us between talked about sharia law to be adopted so every muslim men and women can get their right as the muslims practice other rituals but this was last we muslim wanted, i think it better if every muslim learn from it and make their home a Sharia home,

Ikram Ullah, Leicester, U.K

Fatima It may not be against the law to advise a women to "stick with her marriage" come what may ,but it is very likely to be bad advice. Abusive men must be charged and put into
perpetrators programs in order to have adequate supervision and to get them to admit THEY have a problem not the vic

Tracy, Basildon, UK

This must be overturned by the Conservitives next year and not allowed to carry on. Its reaching a point where the Queen should use her theoretical powers and dissolve parliment and call an election this unelected Brown Gov't is undemocratic and does not represent the will of the people...

Dean, Southampton, England

Great Britian has fought for freedom of speech and equality. The result of this we have a fair and equal justice system, If you dont want to use this system, alarm bells ring that the result you want is not fair and equal. This is not about religion this is about peoples lives keep them seperate.

Townsend, Manchester , England

Britain has begun to fall to the way of the Muslims. Unbelievable. Very shocking that the British would allow such a thing. More than 40% of children of this generation, in Europe, are Muslim. The Muslim grand plan of taking over Europe is moving right along. Europe is weak and this is proof.

Mike, Los Angeles, USA

I urge everyone to read "While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West from within".

Erin, Charlotte, US

Jamie USA - "..Peace and Equaity"???
Hold on a minute what country do you know in the free world that is at peace, they're all waging war on other countries! Namely your own and Britain sending in troops. As for equality well check whether men & women get paid the same in free world countries...???

Booth, Bristol, UK

Have any one of you ever met a radical/extremist muslim? NO!
Fatima, Manchester, UK

Fatima, go to Wilmslow Road on Eid and you will meet 10's of Extremists calling for the distruction of Kuffar's and Jews!!!

Ricky, London,

Christianity has the convoluted concept of the redemption of sins through Christ's death. Islam believes three basic things. 1. Allah is the creator 2. he has rules 3. follow them. These rules are sexist, conservative and often reactionary. Their spread to the west is a cancer on our culture.

Kip Hamilton, Williamsburg, USA

To all those supporting this islamic system in the UK, can you show me even a SINGLE muslim country that allows any kind of religious freedom to other religions? In those countries one is expected to respect islam and in other countries you want overbearing rights..darned hypocrisy and arrogance

Meghna, London,

Im muslim and although there are comments on here which show a lack of understanding of the muslim religion and some which I consider to be thinly veiled racism, I do have the following observation to offer: There are several other countries in which sharia is the main form of law why not go there?

ali, london, uk

People really need read up on Islamic Law and Islam before they start passing judgemental and prejudicial comments. The Sharia court does not go against UK Law, it is an option for those that wish to use it; merely an OPTION of how one CHOOSES to deal with their PRIVATE affairs, NOT public policy!!

Muslimah, Surrey, UK

WHat is really sad is that most comments on here are driven from what the media says and shows. Have any one of you ever looked up sharia law? Have any one of you ever met a radical/extremist muslim? NO!
Are you all just puppets following George Bush and Brown? Yes I think you are!

Fatima, Manchester, UK

I have no problem with Muslims and am all for a multi-cultural society. However, this has disaster written all over it. People living in the UK should follow UK law. We should not adapt that law to fit them in. This will only further incense the Xenophobes and Racists of Britain.

Max, Truro, UK

You voted then in, now vote them out and change the laws, it is that simple, force a general election.

nick P, Camberley , UK

After putting America Alone which is a book I never heard of into google search the results I got back did not make living in Europe a good option .I know a lot jewish people most are not religious and the integrate and are a small percent of the population can't same for the islamic community here

Andrew Clarke, London, UK

Mashallah, God be praised, once Rome was pagan, then Christian, it's good to see the God is alive and well and bringing His will to force, despite all my fellow Anglo-Saxons fearing the future, I mean a thousand years ago they gave up paganism for monotheism, may Abraham be happy with this.

Lee, Tucson, USA

Gary, Drummonds, USA Churchill - The River War

"The fact that in Mohammedan law every woman must belong to some man as his absolute property - either as a child, a wife, or a concubine - must delay the final extinction of slavery until the faith of Islam has ceased to be a great power among men."

Russ, Reading, UK

Mark Steyn, author of "America Alone", was right: the transformation of secular Europe into a Muslim Eurabia is underway, nibbles at a time. Sarkozy and a precious few others there understand the challenge and are pushing back, but it may already be too late. So sad.

Jim Delaney, Rochester, NY, USA

Fist of all the article did say that "Domestic Violence" was a civil court judicial, if I remember correctly it is in fact a "Criminal Complaint". Wake up people it is an invasion. How many religions can hand out death sentences IN TODAYS SOCIETIES?!Now they want to kill Mickey Mouse of all things!

PaulBinSD, San Diego Ca., USA

The rules should be the same for everyone and these courts should not exist. I have nothing against muslims, but when i last checked Britain is a Christian Country. Therefore, i even as a non religious person i cannot understand why foreign religious courts being allowed in my country

James Morley, Leicester, UK

Ok, Booth. We're all so ignorant and you're so enlightened. Why don't you fill us in then and tell us what exactly about Sharia law is so good for women, so good for Britain, and so good for any country in the free world that would like to enjoy some semblance of peace and equality? Wake up!

Jamie, Salt Lake City, USA

Now I understand why my ancestors left England and Ireland. Do not expect my sons or grandsons to come and save you from yourselves when you are overrun. Did you ever notice that nobody is immigrating to a Muslim nation? You are being assimilated. Good luck with that.

Jacobs, Spokane, USA

" If the Jewish courts are allowed to flourish". Please explain, what Jewish courts? Do they have final say over national law?

monarch (yes, it's my real name), Greenwood, SC, USA

"When in Rome do as the Romans"!
I think history is repeating itself. England is again stirring trouble. With do respect to Muslim rule of law or English rule of law, what the west allows residents from other countries, these other countries ought to allow the residents of the west anywhere else.

George, El Paso, Texas, USA

This is a clear beginning of the proverbial camel and the tent story. The Mulsims have gotten their nose in the tent and will continue until their whole body is in. Many will diasgree but mark my words. In 10 years lets see what this has wrought for the British.

dana, Port Lions, USA

Farewell, sister nation. We loved you well, but you have left the faith, you have deserted the cause and you have succumbed to a system that will ultimately conquer you. God help you.

Mrs. Ricketson
U.S.A.

Ms. Ricketson, USA, USA

Its time to have them out.....sharia law I ask you........but I do agree that theft like my phone calls for amputation of an arm.

I wish we had someone like Cromwell working for us english folk.

Michael Firth, Leeds,

"An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last."

Sir Winston Churchill

I wonder what Sir Winston would say about all of this sharia rubbish?

Gary, Drummonds, USA

I'm less concerned about Muslims being able to settle civil disputes in a more friendly-to-their-beliefs way (it's not as if it's making them above the country's law after all), and more concerned about how much more anti-Muslim feeling this is going to stir up in the public.

Paul, Durham, UK

Dear Cousins across the pond, perhaps you note few Englishmen comment openly, for it is against the new (Labour's) laws.The Christian fundamentalists will prosper by this news - and is that a bad thing? Plus, former Archbishop of Canterbury Carey is correct in his recent (related?) assessment.

steveh, Halesworth, Suffolk, England

Is Great Britain going nuts? What happened to British Law. When someone immigrates to a country, they ought not have their own separate Laws. To do otherwise will destroy Great Britain. Why happened to the British stiff upper lip? What happened to the British who stood up to Hitler's thugs?

Drew, York, USA

This is a sad day for England. It has past the event horizon, and will soon be in bondage.

The liberals have pushed tolerance to the extreme by allowing this to happen.

Barry, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Your leaders have lost their minds. Sharia courts will oppress the very people you are trying to be "sensitive" to. The religious extremists will use the courts to keep people under their thumbs and deny immigrants the chance to freely assimilate into society.

Gene, Shreveport, LA, USA

As far as I am concerned England is now part of the Muslim world. It is no longer the 'West'. It is ironic that the country that stood alone against Hitler is now the first western democracy to fall to islamic law. The English get what they deserve. They have long given shelter to terrorists.

Seth, Bangor, USA

Great Britain is no longer great. It has been lost to the looney left. The people no longer have a say. If the majority do not want to be part of the EU then why are the politicians forcing on us? Corruption and greed. It is time to revolt and take back England. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

Yvette, London, England

The cultural difference between Muslim nations and Western nations is cultural. When culture deliberately suppresses half of their population, they do not have half of the work force to help their economies. This is above and beyond the subjugation of women. Muslim women can't escape persecution.

Joseph, Costa Mesa, U.S.A.

Now Britain has a state within a state. One set of laws for one ethnic group and one set for another. There will not be equality between the two. There will not be justice for the women in the Sharia courts. Britain has abandoned them.

Eleni, Bedford,

I have never thought of voting BNP before

But this has swayed me -

billy, Cardiff, Wales

Time to leave the country......

Chris, London,

gobsmacked. what happens when it contravenes the criminal law? men being told to attend anger management classes for physical assault on their wives? does this mean we are going to allow catholics to criminally prosecute for abortion? the govt is making a mockery of our justice system.

Carla, Glasgow,

So much overreaction! I don't support Sharia law, but this is only a form of arbitration. Any decisions cannot contravene British Law, and they are only binding on those who voluntarily agree to take part. in this process. Our legal system and our way of life are not under threat from this.

Phil, London, UK

So our government is giving muslims more power to impose their backward laws here, and also in the news today; refusing the right for Gurkhas who fought for this country to settle here. What is going on?! I hope Mr Cameron can start getting us back on track next year because this is mad!

Sam, Kent, United Kingdom

The Mother of Parliments, Cromwell, Emily Pankhurst, 2 World Wars. Our democartic rights were hard won. Now they are squandered by cowardly stealth by a cowardly politically correct government and a PM we didnt vote for. Tragic.

Lucas Tatek, Herts., uk

I call upon David Cameron, when he and the Conservative Party is elected, to make it his first act as Prime Minister, to rescind this decision. The allowing of Sharia law in Britain is disgraceful and to the traitorous.
Brown and his shambolic government should be ashamed of themselves.

David Michael, Antalya, Turkey

I doubt alot of muslim women will have much choice as to whether they "choose" this type of law, esp considering male dominance in much of muslim socitey and family life. I dont think we should be promoting legal systems which devalue people based on thier gender.

R, London, UK

I hope this doesn't turn into a parallel legal system. I actually didn't expect this in the UK, which shares its legal tradition with the US. I was expecting this to come from the Continent. They are tribunals and not courts though, and that provides some hope of this not being as bad as it seems.

Francis Ambrogio, Greenwich, CT, USA

Choice? You mean coerced from birth to agree? Now the system is officially protected and endorsed by British law? That should help women challenge any unfair rulings! Let's officially undermine the basic principles of equality and justice to accommodate foreign religions while we're at it?! Insane!

K. Thomas, Luoding, China

Thanks Susan in Chicago for an intelligent and relevant comment and criticism.
But then you probably weren't directed to this article by the black ops department of a loopy christian fundamentalist cult as most of the other posters from the US appear to have been.

Esther, London,

This is very troubling news indeed. It's a perversion of the Arbitration Act, of British Law and of common sense.

Kamal Aggarwall, London,

A quiet attack on the consititution of the UK. If war had been openly declared then this would be front page news, but it is going to be a silent war, disguised by liberals, until it is too late. Any room in America for a true Brit?

Barry T, West Yorkshire, England

Ok, So what are the Muslim states going to in return? Am I going to be able to wear my bikini on a public beach in Saudi Arabia without risking 500 lashes? I doubt it.

Katherine, Rugby, UK

This is utterly insane. Religious "courts" of any persuasion have no place above British law. It should be the same & equal for everybody! How can you tell if, say, a woman living with a violent man, has willingly relinquished her rights to a fair trial under our legal system, rather than Sharia?

Margaret, Cambridge, England

As a british born muslim professional seeking an islamic divorce I find these narrow minded comments deeply upsetting.

Khan, High Wycombe, UK

In your quest for multiculturalism and in some part related to colonial guilt, you Brits have been took advantage of. Giving the store away won't change the past, my friends.

I lived in Britain and I loved it. I hope this great country who birthed mine will wake up. Please.

Laura, Washington State, US

I'm still unsure about this, and I sincerely hope that Britain retains its traditional identity. Britain's identity is a robust and glorious one based on the rule of law and on the individual and his rights. It's in many ways very similar to America's. May Britain and America remain so.

Francis Ambrogio, Greenwich, CT, USA

What happened to Equlaity & Diversity?

S, London,

Haters can hate but this is true liberty and freedom of religion. If people want to follow certain rules that dont come in the way of the law of the land, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

A Hoda, L.A, USA

So Anis, why do you think they left these "Bastions of Freedom they came from?"

Susan, Chicago, USA

I am appalled by this, and so very fed up of people who keep on saying 'there is nothing to worry about'. There is something to worry about - we are losing OUR country to people who have no respect for us.

I have always voted Labour but NEVER again. Its time this madness stopped.

Darren, Middlesbrough, UK

Superstition is no basis for any legal or accounting system.

Zahir, Kingston,

All the US posters - when criticising encroaching Islam, remember your country is one of the few who think Creationism should be thought of as a Science - laughable if it wasn't so deludedly scary.

All countries have problems accommodating illogical religious beliefs into a tolerant framework.

Dan, Dublin,

The jewish community have civil courts set up for many years. Most people commenting here overlook this fact. Any excuse to rant at muslims! You people need to go and meet muslims. However the professionalism of these courts must be ensured. Since when did domestic violence became a civil matter?

Susan, Chicago, USA

As a female British Muslim, I was born here, I have worked hard all my life, climbed up the career ladder, pay my taxes. I've been struggling to get an islamic divorce and some of these comments are so upsetting.

Anyone making ignorant comments should first educate themselves on the subject.

SK, Slough, UK

To Georg from Germany - What on earth are you on about??! No-one is doing anything forcefully, its a private civil matter between two parties. Nothing more. Get a clue - same for the rest of you. Better still why dont you all go and shave your heads and join the BNP, a Britain without culture.

Booth, Bristol, UK

This spells the beginning of the end of representative democratic government in Great Beritain, and the eventual overthrow of Great Britain into an Islamic dictatorship. God help the Western democracies. Islamic governments don't free speech or religion, and treat woman as slaves. You want this?

Hugh Blanchard, Yorktown VA, USA

Muslim law,education, culture and religion is allowed a far greater stronghold and voice here than any other non-muslim country in the world. We're scared to be labelled with the racist tag when in fact most of us despair at the erosion of our national identity, pride and basic British institutions.

Caroline, cheltenham, uk

I feel utterly appaulled and embarrassed. Not by the issue of sharia law but by the ignorance, extreme attitudes and neo-conservatism of most of the comments made. You all mostly show such hate and ignorance of something u know little about and digest what the media CHOOSE to tell you. Get a grip.

Booth, London, UK

How can a nation possibly stand with the legal system composed of several different legal system based on religion? Britian fell without firing one shot. It is for this reason we have a seperation of church and state. Read our Constitution and Bill of Rights, those ideas came from you.

Tom Cannon, Marion, USA

Sounds like a sensible idea, very progressive.

Mark, Woking, UK

@ Lauren: I think you should write very angry letters to your delegate, tell them you couldn't take them seriously any more, if they didn't go against that. Tell them you won't vote for them any more. Go to every demonstration, collect signatures, go to those courts & scream - or move to australia..

Georg M. Hennis, Erfurt, Germany

Why "a shame"? Those who are choosing to be arbitrated by these tribunals know their religion very well and that is their choice.
Where is the "madness" in allowing people of each different religion the right to be ruled by the laws of their religion? This is civilization.

Jessica, Alexandria, Egypt

Have we gone mad!! What's next? The return of the "Inquisition" .

John, Devon,

I am shocked by two things:
1The amount of outright racism by so many people.
2The authority people will speak with on a subject which they clearly know nothing about. These are not 'courts', they are tribunals, which require the consent of both parties.No one is subject (theoretically) unwillingly

amanda, Zagreb, Croatia

Lauren, London, UK, wrote: So what should we do? Seriously. What should we do?

Eventually the number of Muslims in the UK will be large enough for them to form a majority in parliament. The only answer is separation from Islam and Muslims - self-defence allows any and all prescriptions.

DaveP, Beverley, UK

For those of you who keep pointing out that both parties must AGREE to it - how many Muslim women are free to make important choices without pressure from family? Do you really think most Muslim women have free choice in this?
And, domestic violence is considered a civil matter? Stupid.

Rob, Selma, United States

See what the Liberals have brought you. Allah help the US if we go Liberal with Obama Al-Islam.

Ed, Atlanta, US

Please note- mainly US, this was intoduced 'quietly' by our government and not endorsed by the British people.
I am furious at our spineless pandering government, I will never vote Labour again.
This is only the first of their (muslems) demands that will only lead to greater division.
Rob

R Brown, rugby,

Good bye Britain. You were the beacon for civilization for a long time. Now your own government has turned you over to Muslim fanatics who will destroy everything you hold dear. Your nation heroically stood alone against Nazi Germany but now surrenders to a tyranny no different or perhaps worse.

Milton Finley, Grand Cane , USA

Stand up and fight for your country.....PLEASE!

Eddie , Costa Mesa, USA

I'm going to move to Australia which more resembles Britain than Britain does (apart from the weather) or to the US. Neither country would even contemplate this madness. Either that or i'll stay and vote BNP.

Rob, Londonistan, UK

What a true shame, A once great nation that brought forth culture to depressed places in the world , is now on the verge of dying of cultural suicide. Very pathetic, Very Sad.

Eric Cosgrove, Miami, USA

Wait a minute, on the one hand you all things munslim or islamic, but on the other you want all the Oil & Natural Gas in the Middle East, is it fair for other religions to have there laws but not Islam, we're not all the same you know, if that was the case are all non-muslims racist, I think not

Bilal , Manchester ,

I think Ronnie that the issue is the perceived intent. The Jewish population here is small, and in the 100 yrs that the Jewish courts have been operating there has been no take over bid. On the other hand - many Muslims here, and quite a few fanatical, British-hating ones - give them an inch.....

Gemm, Burton-on-Trent,

it doesn't matter whether both parties go to such a court voluntarily or not. whoever says that shariah courts provide more freedom, certanly have no idea how "ummah" works. it is a totalitarian state within itself, everyone is watching everyone. that poor woman had no choice! this makes me sick!

kuzenka, Edinburgh, UK

Sorry chaps, but espically lassies. Lassies must remain 5 complete paces behind the man and don't let the children run assunder or you will be whipped/lashed 39 times first offense, there better not be a second!! Sure am glad we have the 2nd admendent here in the colonies.

Robert, Charlotte, USA

I dont hear anyone kicking up a fuss about the jewish tribunal court system in the UK? or didnt you know we hear in the UK have one.....

Muz, manchester, UK

So what should we do? Seriously. What should we do?

Lauren, London, UK

The jewish community have civil courts set up for many years. Most people commenting here overlook this fact. Any excuse to rant at muslims! You people need to go and meet muslims. However the professionalism of these courts must be ensured. Since when did domestic violence became a civil matter?

Theo, London, UK

Interesting that so many people are criticizing Sharia, but saying nothing about the equally mysoginist Beth Din - neither should be permitted in any form.

P.Humphrey, Athens, Greece

When will you elect politicians with some guts? It may be time for a new political party.

Richard, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA

This is just sick. I just cant figure what's the real reason behind this. Maybe escalating making islam in to 21st century jews.

ebe, kemi, finland

Stop letting immigrants into the country!!!! Encourage current bristish people to breed to replace shortages and build this country up properly. Most of them cause havoc with no regard for our law (as above) and actually dispise us (all of us non muslims.)

Grant, London,

What is wrong with you people? Vote BNP? What have us blacks done to make you want to vote BNP? Or did you all forget that the BNP wants all of us out? I'm appalled by this ridiculous decision but there must be a better way than voting for racism and intollerance on the other end of the spectrum

Carl, aylesbury, U.K.

This is terrible news Religon and state must remain separate. If people do not like living under British law then they should move to somewhere with the laws they want to live by. Labour must be stopped!

Andrew, Britan and US enemies? What are you on about???

Dean, Southampton, England

Jewish Beth Din courts operate under the same provision in the Arbitration Act and resolve civil cases, ranging from divorce to business disputes. They have existed in Britain for more than 100 years, and previously operated under a precursor to the act.

did everyone miss this bit?

Muz, manchester, UK

why should religon effect law, laws should be set independent of religous influence of any kind

dave, london, england

Well Susan, this is the first I have heard of it- I don't remember being allowed a say or a vote.
It is a shame not because these courts wont eork, but because whole sections of our society are opting out of British society but still receiving the benefits of living here, it is sad really.

catherine, London, UK

Absolutely rediculous, what next, stoning unfaithful women? Thank God I left 15 years ago.

John, Brno, Czech Rep

I can't say that I'm pleased to hear that religious courts can substitute lay courts but once the same privilege has been granted to the Jewish community why all this fuss about granting Muslims the same right?

Ronnie, Munich, Germany

Well... actually.. Britain and the US are enemies.
If you vote BNP in response to this, you're an idiot.

This is a disgusting thing to witness though. Religion and state should be kept SEPERATE! That's one thing the US constitution has right.

Andrew, London, UK

This is just so stupid. Why can't they just go to a muslim country without trying to make europe muslim?

The arbitration law is for non-criminal cases. How come they can use it to solve criminal cases?

Sen, Bergen, Norway

Some number of your American cousins have invited you Brits to come over to the USA to escape the capitulation of your laws to the Muslims you have allowed to overrun your country. I do not. I say, stay and FIGHT for your country and your laws! Make them better! Don't cave-in to this madness!

Jerry, Austin , Texas

I have read two articles this morning that have both made my blood boil, this and one about a college in Scarborough that has banned Christmas and Easter from its callendar.
I am not racially or religously bias but I am (still just about) very proud of being British, shame our government isn't.

Steve, Walton, U.K.

Seems like the beginning of Balkanization. Why would a nation change its ideals to accomodate less successful and outdated approaches to governance? This doesn't seem like multiculturalism, liberalism just adulteration of good sense. Beheadings, oppression, violence, taliban governance, really?

dev, washington, usa

As it says, this only holds for civil law and the same goes for Jewish law as far as I can tell. This will only hold if all parties agree to go to it for resolution -that is where difficulties could arise . I am okay with that, so long as criminal law remains free from it.

John, Knutsford, Uk

Good law or arbitration should help raise those less powerful to a position to fight injustice, not further institutionalise their position of relative powerlessness.

If we have created a way for those less powerful to be further coerced to accept inequality, then we have failed in our duty to them

Andy, South Normanton, England

Shame. Shame. Shame.

Nancy Wood, London,

My brother just moved to New Zealand. I might just follow him.

This makes me sick to my stomach

Mike, St. Albans, England

I am an American Citizen living in the UK. Unlike most of my ignorant compatriots I have nothing against Islam, which has been made out to be something to be feared and evil by the current administration! Christianity also has its weird sects! Not all Islam is Jihadist. Little knowledge is dangerous

Jimmy C, Letchworth, UK

This is very sad news indeed.. I cannot even imagine that the majority of your citizens support this decision. For those of you who don't and even those who think they do, from many of us in the USA our thoughts are with you. This truely brings tears to my eyes.

Susan St. John, Chicago, Illinoi, United States of America

I don't think it happened overnight. The culture lost its backbone methodically by caving into liberalism, which thinks multiculturalism is noble. Unless the US wakes up, they will go in the way of Europe and be no more. Voting Obama is the path to more liberalism.

Zhaoyang, Charleston, USA

I was in Sudan when sharia law was introduced. It is an appalling form of religious domination and subbjugation, practiced in the name of superistitious baloney! How a nation with a great legal tradition could succumb to this religious blackmail is mind-boggling. Osama wants a new caliphateUK!

Lewis Walter, Detroit, MI, USA

The is truely the beginning of the end.....

Kevin, Salisbury, UK

AWESOME! Haters can hate but this is true liberty and freedome of religion. If people want to follow certain rules that dont come in the way of the law of the land, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Anis Hoda, Los Angeles, USA

Disgusting.
Religion, and especially Islam, is a plague on this planet.

Jim, Newport Beach, California, USA

This is crazy. I'm glad I'm in Hong Kong. No such rubbish here.

David, Hong Kong,

In Turkey where the big majority is Muslims there is no such thing as Sheria,only the country's law(Even if some parts might need improvements).
And Europe does not want Turkey in EU!!Strange, strange..

Moshe Haviv, Tel Aviv, ISRAEL

What a disgrace, sharia courts! I am furious about this, the hypocracy of it, show me a western style court in Pakistan or Saudi!

joseph, jesmond,

I hope Americans are going to pay attention this November! It's time to stop this New World Order.
Diane Atkins Liberty, NY, USA

Diane Atkins, Liberty, USA

Someone has asked why so many comments from Americans. We are cousins and allies. The U.S. has always come to the aid of our sister nation because we have shared the same values and roots. Evidently, the commentator just doesn't get it. I am still in shock!

Linda Grubb, Martinsburg, WV, USA

You canot have a state within a state, FACT.

robert wilkinson, Brighton, uk

Steve, Ohio.
Thanks for the invitation to the USA. If I was in a position to accept I most certainly would. Unfortunately I'm stuck in this country that used to be England.
I walked through my local town centre today, and all the schoolkids were of foreign origin. Not some, or even most. ALL!

colin, london, englanistan

Like Bilal from London, I think it's strange how much the Americans are getting involved in these debates, and I also find it interesting that they are all suddenly experts on Islam when everyone knows most Americans couldn't find Canada on the map.

What do you know about what islam teaches?

Ed (expat Brit), Melbourne, Australia

As a UK ex-pat., this is indeed sad news. Often, I have thought about going back, but now I wonder would I be returning to the good old England I grew up or an islamic state? To Faruukh from Woking..have you gone to Saudi Arabia where all must follow the Islamic w?

monica, Leicester,

Yeah, Lanier from Atlanta, your place should have never accommodated immigrants. Right from the beginning. Then you wouldn't complain about immigration at all. Nor you would exist.

As a christian, I don't mind any alternative legal system that might ease the workload of the traditional judiciary.

Andras, Southampton,

This "some are more equal than others" talk is a load of rubbish! Can't you people read? The article states that the courts are defined as arbitration tribunals that only have power if both parties agree to give it the power - so don't agree to that unless you want to be bound by its rulings! Duh...

Ed, Melbourne, Australia

It's too late, Eurabia is almost here. Ironic, the British are so busy trying to figure out if homosexuality should be church condoned that they have lost sight of the fact that they are slowly being conquered by the most intolerant people on the face of the earth. What would there forbearers say!?!

Andy, Sandy, USA

How sad. Christians need to pray for Britain. This is just the first step.

Gus, Lexington, USA

Good Bye Old Friend... You were once a Proud Great Nation that gave so much to the world (English Common Law comes to mind). Thank you. So long, and farewell. All hope is lost for you now. Enjoy your Ramadaan...

jscales, boston, ma, U.S. of A

All I can think of is the "World Turned Up side down" I love the Britain and her people (my family is of British ancestry) but this is truly mad. This is exactly what the radical muslim / terrorists want. they will eventually take over Britain and the western world if this doesn't stop.

Rob, Acworth, Georgia, USA

The rule of British law should be absolute within the U.K.. If Muslims wish to fall under Sharia vs British law, have them leave and become citizens of a fundamentalist country where Sharia is accepted as the norm. Britain should never give up it's legal system to foreign influence.

James Main, Cabot, USA

Londonistan.

Chris, Los Angeles, USA

Wake up world!!! Can't you see that Islam is trying to take over the world? This so called "peaceful" religion won't be so "peaceful" once it takes over your any government and forces you to become Muslim. Wake up stupid Europeans. Muslims, If you want Sharia law, go back to your muslim country.

mark, Phoenix, USA

America is about to elect a gun toting, moose-shooting, self made woman as Vice President.

The UK is about to kneel and bow their heads to their muslim masters.

I'm so glad I'm here. I'm so glad my daughter is here, too.

Bonnie, Erie, U.S.A.

You Brits have lost your minds. We're having "honor" killings here in the States. That too is Sharia Law.

bill, Dallas, Tx, USA

Maybe just shorten your country's name to The Kingdom vs. The United Kingdom.

Jason, North Coventry, USA

My God you Brits have opened up a HUGE can of worms.

My prayers are with you and hope that you overturn this most horrible of decisions

Steve, Schenectady, New York, USA

Seperate 'arbitration' for the victims of assault? '...who agree to it? Incredible! But many will, sadly - coerced by force or by group pressure. How long til they no longer have to 'agree'? How long til others are bound to this rule? How many other 'issues' will eventually fall to these courts?

Kathleen, Wichita,KS, USA

The British Government has a dilemma.
If Jews have this privilege, so should the Muslims. The question remains, keeping in mind that Sharia law is not the fairest system in the world, if the British Courts do not agree with the Sharia Courts decision, what then? The Act must change.

Bill, Ottawa, Canada

Steve, Ohio

I'm British but have lived in the States for two years. Apart from Americans being VERY misunderstood things like this make me glad I'm over here.
I would thank you for your invitation and shake your hand if we ever met.

eddie, Davis,CA, USA

Sadly, Mark Steyn was right when he maintained in his "America Alone" that Europe, aka Eurabia, is likely a lost cause. Accommodation is leading to Muslim dominance. Looks like we can count the years before the fine cathedrals in Eurablia become mosques. Securalist, weak-kneed Europeans deserve it.

jim delaney, rochester, USA

I am speechless... Have our British cousins lost their ever-loving minds?!? We have all slipped too far down the slippery slope to accomodate immigrants, but this will prove to be a point of no return for the UK. My suggestion- come quickly- buy our cheap real estate and move to the US!

Lanier, Atlanta, USA

How can a modern, democratic state founded on the ideals of classical liberalism possibly continue to exist with such a Medieval, theocratic court system existing within itself?

Sharia is a poison pill for any enlightened state to swallow and this is a horrible mistake for the British.

Dave Bills, Dallas, Texas, USA

If these muslims are so contemptuous of western culture, then why move to a western country other than to undermine it. what right does an immigrant community have to demand a seperate court system. At this rate, by the time Prince William comes to the throne, you'll be crowning him sultan.

Dan, Omaha, USA

Why are so many of those leaving comments from America? Strange.