Idaho lawmakers worried about Shariah law jeopardize international child-support treaty

The U.S. has spent years leading negotiations toward an international treaty that would make it easier for single parents worldwide to collect child-support payments.

But families across the country could be stuck with the cumbersome existing system after legislators in a single state rejected the deal because, they said, it could allow Islamic law to influence American courts.

The move by Idaho threatens an effort involving dozens of nations that set out more than a decade ago to improve procedures that made it difficult, sometimes impossible, for parents' to get the money.

State leaders are now under pressure to reverse that decision.

Proposals to restrict the influence of Shariah law have surfaced in several states.

Opponents dismiss these bills as anti-Islamic fear-mongering. Supporters say the legislation protects states' rights.