Mind the Gap: The Equality Bill and Sharia Arbitration in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The observance of Sharia principles in Islamic arbitration tribunals operating in the United Kingdom has been heralded for its ability to provide Muslim communities with internal, community-based fora for dispute resolution. Although the judgments issued by these faith-based arbitration tribunals lack binding legal authority, British lawmakers ex-press concerns centered on threats to the existing national legal system and to England’s deeply rooted social policy of equality and non-discrimination. Introduced to address these concerns in 2011, the Equality Bill proposes a legislative solution to further maintain the principle of equality within alternative dispute resolution channels. This Note argues that, despite the Equality Bill’s laudable effort to curb discrimination and violations of England’s policy of equality, legislative reform alone will be unlikely to affect the Bill’s desired goals.