Mississippi town’s first Muslim judge faces torrents of abuse, as local lawmaker suggests she’ll enact Sharia law despite statute that bans it
Assma Ali has been sworn in as municipal judge in Benoit, Mississippi, becoming the small town’s first Muslim judge. Her appointment has prompted online abuse and criticism, including claims that she could impose Sharia law, despite her stating that she is committed to the US Constitution and Mississippi law.
Ali, an American-born immigration lawyer who founded her own practice, took the oath of office on 5 August. Benoit has only a few hundred residents, and the controversy has drawn attention to anti-Muslim sentiment and to a Mississippi statute banning courts from applying foreign law where it conflicts with constitutional rights.
- Benoit appointed its first Muslim municipal judge.
- Ali faced abuse and Sharia-law accusations.
- She pledged to uphold US and Mississippi law.