The Home Secretary made the controversial remarks as she announced the Government is set to investigate the “misuse” of Islamist law to subjugate women.

Top Tory Mrs May, who wants Britain to stay in the European Union, insisted the inquiry will not look into the legality of Sharia Law courts in a move designed to reassure Muslims.

Instead it will focus on instances where traditional Islamic doctrine is being “exploited” to discriminate against Muslim women.
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Sharia law compliance gets green light from UK Government

Theresa May runs rule over Sharia courts

There are thought to be around 100 Sharia Law courts operating throughout the UK, dispensing Islamic justice outside the remit of our own legal system.

Judgements handed down by the informal courts have no legal basis, but there are fears their presence means many Muslim women are not getting access to the justice they deserve.

But in a controversial intervention Mrs May today claimed many British Muslims “benefit a great deal” from their existence.

A woman in a burkaGETTY

The Home Secretary has announced a review into the operation of Sharia courts

Furious commenters took to social media today to blast the Home Secretary's comments, which they branded "unbelievable".

Belinda Wood ‏tweeted: "Theresa May hails Sharia Benefits!! What is happening, a home sec seems to want a secondary law system for those seeking to destroy democracy.

Another user called Lithlad ‏said: "While Theresa May explores the benefits of sharia law, Saudi Arabia bans cat photos for being 'too Western'. I hate this septic isle."

And a third, going under the name P.Pink, simply responded: "God help us, from atheist."

Nile Gardiner, a foreign policy analyst and former aide to Margaret Thatcher, was also unimpressed by the comments, describing them as "unbelievable".