COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Supporters of a South Carolina proposal barring the state's courts from enforcing foreign law say it's meant to protect women in divorce and custody cases from harsh religious practices.
A Senate Judiciary subcommittee debated the bill Wednesday in terms of hypothetical marriages between Americans and Pakistanis, and foreign women who might flee their spouse to the U.S.
Supporters could not point to an actual state case.
Democratic Sen. Brad Hutto of Orangeburg says it's ludicrous to think a South Carolina judge would rule in favor of Islamic religious Sharia law over U.S. law.
Columbia attorney Kevin Hall says he's concerned about military members who marry someone from a country that doesn't abide by international law.
But a law expert says the bill is unnecessary and will invite lawsuits.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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