Sharia Law officially On Trial in Barking, East London #BarkingSharia

Islamic imposition? Barking in East London becomes the first British area to be ruled under Sharia Law.

Barking in East London is known for its large Muslim population - 40 percent of its denizens are vocal Muslims according to recent populace studies carried out by LC, London Census. This fact has caused a great deal of community tension, made evident by the fact that the BNP, The British National Party, gained 17% in the 2005 general election.

What's happening now, one can predict, will add fuel to this fire of segregation. From the 18th of May onward, Sharia Law will officially preside in the area. This radical policy is an effort by the Barking & Dagenham Borough Council to "welcome our Muslim immigrants and nourish a multicultural society".

The implementation is on a trial only basis and last until the 18th of October this year, but if it proves successful, an evaluation as to whether a permanent law can be made, will be carried out. The Sharia rule will entail a myriad of new things to get used to for Barking residents. For instance, the consumption of pork or alcohol will be prohibited for Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the area. All businesses will be required to desist all their operation during Islamic prayer time, or else they will incur fines. All women, whether they are Muslim or not will be required to wear hijabs (the local government is in the process of sewing tens of thousands for non-Muslim women). The punishment for stealing will be amputation (severing of the hand) and the punishment for insulting the Prophet Mohammed will be incarceration.

We spoke to Linda Gayle, a representative of the local government, and asked her why this drastic legal experiment has been given the green light. - We see this as a natural next step. It was only a matter of time before Sharia Law became reality in London and we’re happy to be the forerunners of this very tolerant and multicultural governing process. Barking is home to tens of thousands of Muslim and we could no longer ignore the richness that they have brought to our little part of town. Implementing Sharia Law is honouring all the people of Muslim faith who make this community thrive. Now they will finally feel home! Not everyone is happy with the trial. This morning, a rally of protestors made their way through central Barking holding signs protesting Sharia Law. We stopped one of the protestors, a 61-year old man named Myrone Gaines and asked him what he thought of the new policy. - I don’t recognize my city anymore, this is ridiculous, now, I’m no racist but this has gone to far, Britain should remain British Two days remain until Sharia Law is made reality, many are worried, others, are rejoicing.

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