MT legislative records: on Foreign Policy


Albert Olszewski: Ban use of Shariah law and other foreign laws in courts

Gov. Bullock vetoed a bill that would have banned Sharia and other foreign laws from being used in Montana courts. Bullock said he was disturbed that the ban could have been seen as an "endorsement for anti-Muslim sentiments and activity."

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21, 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3, 27-21-1; Sen. Olszewski voted YES; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Source: The Missoulian on Montana voting record SB.97 Feb 3, 2017

Steve Bullock: Vetoed bill banning Shariah law; it's just anti-Muslim

Gov. Bullock vetoed a bill that would have banned Sharia and other foreign laws from being used in Montana courts. Bullock said he was disturbed that the ban, if he had signed it, could have been seen as an "endorsement for anti-Muslim sentiments and activity."

"It cannot be seriously denied that the bill is drawn from 'Sharia law bans' that have been tried in other states. The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment," Bullock said, adding that the proposal could add to the "nationwide surge in hate crimes."

"I don't see how affirming our Constitution does that. I disagree with him," said Sen. Keith Regier (R-Kalispell). He and other backers argued that the measure aimed merely to declare support for U.S. and Montana law. They rejected contentions that the bill was anti-Islamic or xenophobic.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 3/21/2017 56-43-1; passed Senate 2/3/2017 27-21-1; vetoed by Governor Bullock, 4/6/2017

Source: The Missoulian on Montana voting record SB.97 Apr 6, 2017

  • The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for Montana House and Senate.
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