Order blocking Okla. Islamic law measure extended

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge has extended a restraining order blocking an Oklahoma constitutional amendment that would prohibit state courts from considering international or Islamic law when deciding cases.

U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange took the action today following a hearing on a preliminary injunction against the amendment. The judge extended the duration of the restraining order until Nov. 29 to give her time to issue a ruling.

Seventy percent of Oklahoma voters approved the measure in the Nov. 2 election. The restraining order was granted Nov. 8.

Muneer Awad, a Muslim who is the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Oklahoma, sued to block enforcement. He says the law violates his right to freely practice his religion.