Oklahoma vote against Islamic law could impact tribal activities
A ballot measure that bars judges in Oklahoma from considering international or Islamic law could have an affect on tribal relations.

Voters in Oklahoma overwhelmingly approved State Question 755 on election day. Although it doesn't specifically address tribal law, it could be interpreted in a negative manner.

“This could blossom into a major threat to the sovereignty of our Indian nations,” David Narcomey, a business owner and member of the Seminole Nation, told The Norman Transcript. "There really is just a remote chance it could happen, but Pandora’s box can be opened with just that one case.”

The question is an amendment to the state constitution that says judges can't consider “legal precepts of other nations or cultures” when making decisions. The phrase "other nations or cultures" is not defined in the amendment.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the state from implementing the question.

Get the Story:
Tribes fear side effects of SQ 755 (The Norman Transcript 11/10)