Now this is getting interesting. How will these Muslims who condemn stoning and amputation make and enforce the distinction between those elements of Sharia and others that are more benign? From the Copenhagen Post via Jyllands-Posten, with thanks to Filtrat:
On Monday, Social Democratic immigration spokeswoman Anne-Marie Meldgaard issued an ultimatum to Muslim party members, demanding that they condemn sharia in order to remain in the party.
Party leader Mogens Lykketoft has so far declined comment on the ultimatum, and Meldgaard has since modified her original remarks.
“Of course it’s OK to fast. As long as an individual is not acting in violation of the constitution, Danish jurisprudence, principles of equality or democracy, we can accept it. But I still maintain that people have no business with us if they place Islamic law above our democratic system, or support execution by stoning,” said Meldgaard.
Social Democratic party member Hamid El Mousti, a Moroccan by birth, currently sits on Copenhagens City Council. El Mousti claims it is impossible for Muslims to disavow sharia in its entirety.
“Sharia is a part of our identity – part of being Muslim. It’s unreasonable to ask us to swear off our religion – but demanding that we accept the values of Denmark is fine,” said El Mousti, emphasising that he in no way condones the stoning of adulterous women or amputation of hands to punish thieves.
Centre Democrat Ben Haddou is also a member of Copenhagen’s City Council, and seconds El Mousti’s views.
“It’s impossible to condemn sharia. And any secular Muslim who claims he can is lying. Sharia also encompasses lifestyle, inheritance law, fasting and bathing. Demanding that Muslims swear off sharia is a form of warfare against them,” said Haddou, adding:
“For me, it’s not a question of either/or. I can easily support sharia, but distance myself from those aspects that don’t fit into the year 2004. Compare it to the constitution. Some parts are outmoded, and you might well imagine that some changes are long overdue,” said Haddou.
Danish People’s party leader Pia Kjærsgaard refuses to admit new members to her party if they refuse to condemn sharia law in its entirety.
“The Muslims politicians have their laundry list of complaints, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re either for (sharia law) or against it. It’s a package deal,” said Kjærsgaard, citing the recent example of former Copenhagen Social Democrat Fatima Shah, who told Jyllands-Posten that sharia law was an “either/or” concept.
Most parties agree that members who voluntarily join the party also acknowledge the values on which the party is built.
“We have a programme that clearly outlines our beliefs. It’s impossible to be a member of the Unity List and not support human rights,” said Unity List MP Søren Søndergaard.