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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
AMENDED
foreign law; sharia law; prohibition
Purpose
Specifies that the definition of foreign law includes Sharia law and outlined foreign, religious or cultural laws, customs or practices.
Background
A court, arbitrator, administrative agency or other adjunctive, mediation or enforcement authority may not enforce a foreign law if doing so would: 1) conflict with Arizona law or U.S. law; or 2) violate a right guaranteed by the Arizona Constitution or U.S. Constitution. Foreign law means any law, rule or legal code or system other than: 1) the U.S. Constitution; 2) the laws and ratified treaties of the United States and the territories of the United States; 3) the Arizona Constitution; and 4) Arizona law (A.R.S. §§ 12-3101 and 13-3103).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Specifies that the definition of foreign law includes:
a) Sharia law; and
b) a foreign, religious or cultural law, custom or practice that allows, condones or excuses:
i. the honor killing of a person or honor-based violence;
ii. a forced or coerced marriage;
iii. a marriage involving a minor that violates Arizona law;
iv. female genital mutilation or cutting;
v. the physical punishment of a minor that constitutes abuse pursuant to Arizona law;
vi. domestic violence or spousal abuse that is justified by cultural, religious or family authority;
vii. restricting a person's liberty or rights based on gender, religion or family honor;
viii. denying a person equal protection or due process;
ix. polygamy where prohibited by Arizona law; or
x. any conduct that violates Arizona criminal law.
2. Makes technical changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendment Adopted by Committee of the Whole
1. Expands the definition of foreign law.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
Senate Action
FED 1/26/26 DP 4-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 2, 2026
AN/ci