LaSalle County resolution draws criticism amid debate over lawmaker’s Sharia bill
(The Center Square) – An Illinois lawmaker is defending legislation aimed at preventing foreign legal systems from overriding constitutional rights, while an Illinois Family Institute contributor argues that a recent LaSalle County resolution condemning Sharia law could undermine legitimate scrutiny of a proposed Fox River resort development. State Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park, introduced House Bill 4165 in October 2025, seeking to prohibit Illinois courts and other legal bodies from enforcing foreign laws or legal provisions that violate rights guaranteed under the U.S. or Illinois constitutions. Cabello said the measure was prompted by news reports about Sharia law in parts of London and his desire to prevent similar concerns from arising in Illinois. “I wanted to make sure that we had something on the books that would show that not every single Illinoisan is in favor of this,” Cabello told The Center Square. Cabello said he has not identified a specific Illinois court case in which Sharia law was applied in violation of constitutional rights, describing his legislation as preemptive. Asked whether he was concerned the proposal could be viewed as targeting Muslims, Cabello said, “I really don't care if people think I'm targeting anybody.” He said his priority was
