Sharia Law Comes to Vanderbilt University

Papa B sends in an Act for America update:

Last week, a Vanderbilt University Muslim chaplain publicly acknowledged what those of us who study shariah Islamic law know... Awadh Binhazim, when pressed on whether or not shariah Islamic law requires the death penalty for homosexuals, asserted that yes, it does. Furthermore, he stated: "I don’t have a choice as a Muslim to accept or reject teachings."

...Awadh Binhazim is listed on the Vanderbilt website as "Adjunct Professor of Islam at the Divinity School" and is described by Vanderbilt University officials as "the university’s Muslim chaplain."

Question: Under Islamic law, if a homosexual person began to engage in homosexual relations on an ongoing and permanent way, with no intention of quitting, then the punishment under Islamic law would be death... unless, you know, he agreed to quit. As a practicing Muslim do you accept or reject this teaching of Islam?

Answer: ...I don't have a choice as a Muslim to accept or reject a teaching. I go with what Islam teaches.

...this is captured in other religions as well... so, the punishment is Islam is certain rules... probably a lot of time to explain it... you cannot prosecute someone just because you think they are homosexual. There has to be clear proof...

Question: Under Islamic law, is it punishable by death if you are a homosexual?

Answer: Yes.

We encourage you to contact Vanderbilt University—especially if you are an alumnus and/or a donor (and forward this [message] to others). Respectfully but firmly ask that the university publicly and unequivocally condemn Binhazim’s statement as repugnant and incompatible with the laws of American society. You can call or email the Vanderbilt Office of Public Affairs... Phone: 615.343.1790... Email: beth.fortune@vanderbilt.edu...

We must make it crystal clear to those like Awadh Binhazim, and all those who agree with his belief in oppressive, intolerant and extremist shariah Islamic law:

• That this belief is repugnant to us and we will tirelessly speak out against it and those who advocate it.

• That shariah Islamic law is incompatible with American civil society and constitutional law.

• And that we will oppose any and every effort to advance shariah law here in America, in whatever form it takes.