© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Apple's latest iOS (17.4) is preventing our livestreams from playing. We suggest you download the free Boise State Public Radio app & stream us there while we work to troubleshoot the issue.

Worry Over Sharia Law In Idaho Jeopardizes Child Support

Emilie Ritter Saunders
/
Boise State Public Radio

The U.S. has spent years leading negotiations toward an international treaty that would make it easier for single parents worldwide to collect child-support payments.

But families across the country could be stuck with the cumbersome existing system after legislators in a single state rejected the deal because, they said, it could allow Islamic law to influence American courts.

The move by Idaho threatens an effort involving dozens of nations that set out more than a decade ago to improve procedures that made it difficult, sometimes impossible, for parents' to get the money.

State leaders are now under pressure to reverse that decision.

Proposals to restrict the influence of Shariah law have surfaced in several states.

Opponents dismiss these bills as anti-Islamic fear-mongering. Supporters say the legislation protects states' rights.

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.