In a thought-provoking article published on April 5, 2025, Kevin Cohen examines the growing influence of Sharia councils in Western nations. He highlights a troubling trend where countries like the UK, Sweden, and France are ceding aspects of their legal sovereignty to informal religious authorities. This shift has raised concerns about the implications for national laws and civil rights.
Cohen begins by referencing a recent case in Rotherham, UK, where two men were convicted of repeatedly raping teenage girls. This case is part of a broader investigation into grooming networks that have exploited cultural sensitivities, leading to a reluctance among local authorities to intervene. He argues that such incidents are not isolated but reflect a pattern of surrendering jurisdiction in liberal democracies.
The article points out that by 2024, the UK had 85 Sharia councils, up from just one in 1982. These councils often handle matters like marriage and divorce outside the British legal system, leaving many women without essential legal protections. Cohen cites a 2018 government review that found some councils discouraged reporting domestic violence, framing it as a private issue to be resolved within the community.
In Sweden, the situation is similarly alarming. Police have identified 59 areas as "especially vulnerable," where public services struggle to operate due to criminal networks and parallel authority structures. Cohen also notes that France has over 750 sensitive urban zones, where schools align their policies with religious practices, raising questions about the separation of church and state.
The rise of Sharia patrols in places like East London and Wuppertal, Germany, serves as a stark illustration of this trend. These patrols, often unchallenged, impose informal rules on the public, signaling a shift in who enforces societal norms. Cohen emphasizes that this situation is not just a European issue; similar patterns are emerging in cities across the globe, including Sydney and Toronto.
Cohen concludes by warning that the West is not collapsing but is indeed conceding jurisdiction in areas once firmly under state control. He calls for a renewed commitment to the principle that law is indivisible and that sharing sovereignty with groups that do not recognize it can lead to significant consequences. The article serves as a wake-up call, urging readers to reflect on the implications of these developments for the future of Western societies.