Muslim Woman Sworn in as New York Judge While Taking Oath on Koran
BY HEATHER CLARK
SEE: http://christiannews.net/2015/12/15/muslim-woman-sworn-in-as-new-york-judge-while-taking-oath-on-koran/; republished below in full unedited for informational, educational, and research purposes:
NEW YORK — A Muslim woman was recently sworn in as a judge in New York City, choosing to take her oath on the Koran instead of the Bible.
After being elected to the position last month, Carolyn Walker-Diallo was sworn in last Thursday as a civil judge for the 7th Municipal District at Brooklyn Borough Hall. She wore a hijab as she repeated her oath with one hand placed on the Koran.
“I, Carolyn Walker-Diallo, do solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of New York, and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as judge of the civil court of the city of New York, so help me God,” she repeated.
A video of Walker-Diallo taking the oath was posted to Facebook, with a description stating, “Judge Walker sworn in as a judge holding the Holy Quran at the Brooklyn Borough Hall.”
Walker-Diallo had offered thanks to Allah on her campaign website after winning the seat in November.
“All praise is indeed due to the Most High!” she wrote. “I am humbled that my community has entrusted me with the immense responsibility of ensuring that EVERYONE has notice and a FAIR opportunity to be heard in the halls of justice.”
Public reaction has been mixed over whether Walker-Diallo should have been allowed to take her oath on the Koran.
“The problem is that America isn’t a Christian nation. It’s supposed to accept all religions and be a nation that accepts people regardless of their race, religion, and now sexual orientation,” one commenter wrote. “If we don’t allow all to be equal and free, then we lose the essence that makes us truly American.”
“In thinking about this, I believe it is foolish for Muslims to be in positions of authority,” another stated. “It’s just asking for trouble; but there is no point in swearing them in on Bibles, since the Bible means nothing to them. Unfortunately, their holy book tells them it is okay to say and do whatever furthers the cause of Islam.”
“Allah is not God. How does a person swearing to the law of a foreign political organization administer law based upon God’s word?” a third asked. “How does Islamic law apply in a sovereign U.S. court, Judge Walker? You know it can’t and you don’t believe in God’s law.”
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