Imposing Islamic family law in Britain will be disastrous for women and children in particular.

Islamic family law has been a pillar in the oppression of women in Islamist societies. Much of the struggle for women’s rights in countries like Iran has taken shape against it. Islamic family law will only increase violence, intimidation and discrimination against women and children here.

Also, because it is a prescription for inequality and discrimination and will create regressive and separate systems, standards and norms for ‘different’ people, it will increase marginalisation and the further ghetto-isation of so-called minority communities and youth. Moreover, by opening the way for further conquests by the reactionary political Islamic movement, it will in fact increase extremism – not the other way around.

Thankfully, the Union of Muslim Organisations informs us that they do not want Sharia law for criminal offences. So while for now we are not to expect public stonings in Trafalgar Square, the situation warrants serious attention and must receive as firm a response as demands for a now moot Sharia court in Canada.