Most Americans do not like the idea that Sharia law could be implemented in the United States. That is why more than half dozen states have already passed a ban on Sharia law either through the legislature or through a ballot measure. States like Alabama, Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee have such bans. Oklahoma voters approved a ban that was struck down by a federal appeals court. Missouri passed a measure banning foreign law, but the governor vetoed the bill.

Opponents argue that these bans are unnecessary. But they need to read the report from the Center for Security Policy on “Shariah law and the American State Courts.” They found 50 significant cases of Sharia law in U.S. courts just from their small sample of appellate published cases. When they looked at state courts, they found an additional 15 cases in the trial courts and 12 more in the appellate courts. Judges are making decisions deferring to Sharia law even when those decisions conflict with the U.S. Constitution and the various state constitutions.

How should we respond to the increased use of Sharia law in America? Here is a simple way to explain your concern to legislators, family, friends, and neighbors. Remember the numbers 1-8-14. These three numbers stand for the three amendments to the U.S. Constitution that prevents the use of Sharia law.

The First Amendment says that there should be no establishment of religion. Sharia law is based on one religion’s interpretation of rights. The First Amendment prohibits the establishment of any national religion (including Islam).

The Eighth Amendment prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.” Most Americans would consider the penalties handed down under Sharia law to be cruel and unusual.

The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees each citizen equal protection under the Constitution. Sharia law does not treat men and women equally, nor does it treat Muslims and non-Muslims equally. This also violates the Constitution.

The next time you have a discussion about Sharia law, remember the numbers 1-8-14. Sharia law is unconstitutional.