Defeat Sharia Law in America Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8017
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T13:23:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
H.R. 8017: Defeat Sharia Law in America Act
Purpose
This bill aims to strengthen anti-discrimination rules for public businesses and facilities (known as "public accommodations") by treating the use of Sharia law—Islamic religious principles—in providing services as a form of religious discrimination.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 201(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a(a)).
- Adds a new clause: Any covered public accommodation (e.g., hotels, restaurants, stores) that provides goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations by implementing Sharia law is considered to be discriminating or segregating based on religion.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expands the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which already bans discrimination in public accommodations based on race, color, religion, or national origin.
- Specifically classifies Sharia law implementation as religious discrimination, making it explicitly illegal under federal civil rights law.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Customers could file lawsuits claiming religious discrimination if a business applies Sharia rules (e.g., gender segregation or dietary restrictions) that affect non-adherents.
- On government agencies: Increases enforcement duties for the Department of Justice and courts to investigate and prosecute violations under existing civil rights mechanisms.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though it may influence perceptions of U.S. religious freedom policies abroad.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Public accommodations: Businesses like hotels, theaters, and retail stores that could face liability.
- Customers and patrons: Individuals claiming harm from Sharia-based practices, particularly non-Muslims or dissenting Muslims.
- Religious communities: Primarily Muslim groups, whose practices might be scrutinized.
- Civil rights enforcers: Federal agencies and courts handling discrimination complaints.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates a clear basis for civil lawsuits and potential injunctions against Sharia implementation in public settings; relies on existing remedies like fines or court orders.
- Constitutional: Raises questions about free exercise of religion (First Amendment right to practice faith) versus anti-discrimination protections; could face challenges if seen as targeting a specific religion.
- Political: Introduced in the 119th Congress (2d Session) by Rep. Moore (AL) and cosponsors; referred to the House Judiciary Committee; signals debate on balancing civil rights with religious practices.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-19: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Defeat Sharia Law in America Act — issued 2026-03-19 — PDF (2 pages)