What do you think of this?

Question

Here is the second article of Iraq's constitution.

Article 2:
First: Islam is the official religion of the State and it is a fundamental source of legislation:
A. No law that contradicts the established provisions of Islam may be established.
B. No law that contradicts the principles of democracy may be established.
C. No law that contradicts the rights and basic freedoms stipulated in this constitution may be established.

Second: This Constitution guarantees the Islamic identity of the majority of the Iraqi people and guarantees the full religious rights of all individuals to freedom of religious belief and practice such as Christians, Yazedis, and Mandi Sabeans.

Obviously there is no "right" answer to this, my question is simply asking what your thoughts are on this issue.

Best answer goes to the person who supports why they formed their opinion with the most reasoning behind why they did so.

I'm about to pick a best answer, so I figured I'd respond to some of the posts before that.

The reason, I believe, that it is important to care about things like this is because Americans are dying in the name of this constitution.

Democracy and Freedom are often linked, but aren't necessarily. Sharia law is a dangerous concept that will inevitably knock their social progress back to the dark ages, and it isn't a step that can necessarily be taken back once made.

Sharia law forbids speaking against the Quran, which in the real world translates into speaking against an interpretation of the Quran. Having this in their constitution gives a trump card to whoever wants to keep it there.

The benefits of Sharia Law, some would say, is that it legislates morality; a code of conduct. Devoutly religious people probably have a hard time understanding why the rest of the world doesn't follow suit.

The problem here is that morality is a completely subjective concept. A secular legal system bases the rules of society on how certain actions effect society. Religious legal systems throw in rules that people must adhere to based on the whims and beliefs of religious leaders, there are no checks and balances.

This tramples on the rights of everyone to live their lives as they see fit. To the devout, it might sound like it might be a good idea on paper, but in practice just forces people to unnecessarily give up certain freedoms.

The Iraqi's wanting to preserve your culture is one thing, forcing people to adhere to the teachings of your beliefs is another.

Answer 1

I don't think a constitution would pass (be accepted by Iraqi voters) in Iraq unless there is a mention of Islam. I hope this is a first step toward a true democracy. While I don't agree with it, we can't really change it and still allow them the sovereignty to write their own constitution. Hopefully, many years from now, they will amend the second article part A as their society progresses.
The media neglects to mention the theocratic wording to try to keep support up I suppose...people don't like to hear these things.
The second section isn't granting anything except that they are allowed to think what they want and practice their religion...it won't affect laws though.
The First section part A isn't denying anyone freedom necessarily, just that no laws that are passed will contradict Islam (the same principal pretty much goes here -just more subtly- Christians control the vote...stem cells are a very recent example).
Part B is very optimistic for democracy lovers!

Answer 2

A. contradicts both B. and C. in my opinion. I'm glad I don't have to live by that constitution. Its going to be a religious run country, oh, and what faction of Islam going to be administered?

Answer 3

I think it means that Rule Number 1 is, all rich turbin heads must have everything they want, money, sex, power, greed, hatred of all who disagree with them. The right to kill or torture all who disagree with them. Rule Number 2 is, if You think They are wrong, refer back to Rule Number 1.

Answer 4

Sounds good. Who's upholding the laws?

Answer 5

do u live in Iraq? if not, i dont get why people always need to police the beliefs of another country.....watch ur own back yard, im sure its not free from weeds

Answer 6

Joy. They have a Constitution. Better than anarchy.

Answer 7

Yikes! Scary.

Answer 8

Sounds contradictory!

Answer 9

who gives a flip. that doesn't go anywhere over here. i am glad for you and your faith, but your constitution means something in your country (not u.s.) only.

Answer 10

Good for them.