Islamic Law - Barbaric or misunderstood?

Yasmin Patel, Ethnic Minority Officer, has arranged an event on Wednesday 25th March 2009, in line with her manifesto promise to address the misrepresentation of ethnic minorities.
I have copied the text below about the event - hope to see you there!

Islamic Law: Barbaric or Misunderstood?
The term Shariah (and now its partner-term 'extremism') is mentioned and heard many times, especially amidst the ‘War on Terror’. However, do we really know what Shariah stands for, or what role it has to play?

Is it a system of barbaric harsh punishments that suppresses people and oppresses women? Or is Shariah far from that, and rather a solution to social breakdown?

This event being held on Wednesday 25th March 2009 @ 5:30pm in the Avon Room, University Centre, relates to the many debates students have had on campus this term. This includes whether religion does more harm than good, a discussion about ‘Terrorism (Crossing the Limits)’ and whether multiculturalism has failed. Based on his recent work, Hamza Andreas Tzortzis will contrast the ability of a Liberal and Islamic model to solve social problems.

The presentation will conclude with an open question and answer session.

Contact the Ethnic Minority Officer, Yasmin Patel at y.patel@guild.bham.ac.uk for more information.

Facebook Event link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=70349914195&ref=nf