Anti-Islamic law, Muslim demonstrators gather in Connecticut

Counter demonstrators opposing a group who gathered nearby to protest against Islamic-law yell out Saturday, June 10, 2017, in NY. Police used tear gas to disperse rowdy demonstrators and arrested three people for obstructing law enforcement.

A similar scene played out in a park near a NY courthouse, where counter-protesters sounded air-horns and banged pots and pans in an effort to silence an anti-Shariah rally. Three times as many counter-protesters demonstrated outside.

The organization said it opposes discrimination and supports the rights of those subject to Shariah.

Several scuffles broke out on the Capitol steps as the events drew to a close and state troopers escorted anti-Shariah protesters across the grounds. The Minnesota State Patrol separated the groups and appeared to make at least one arrest.

SEATTLE (AP) - Demonstrators at small but raucous gatherings around the country Saturday raised the specter that extremist interpretations of Islamic law might somehow spread across the USA, but numerous rallies drew even more boisterous counter-protests by people who called such fears unfounded.

Protesters at the rally say Sharia law impedes on American laws and encourages practices like genital mutilation and child marriage.

The Saturday rallies in Chicago occurred near a building developed by President Donald Trump. "They claim to be in favor of Human Rights and yet they are silent about the thousands of innocent people killed in American air strikes".

A small group also stood at a nearby George Washington monument, chanting, "America first!" A dozen police surrounded them as counter-protesters shouted several feet away.

In Seattle, activists set up an "Ask an American Muslim" booth to give rally participants on either side a chance to speak with a Muslim.

In Idaho a Republican lawmaker earlier this year introduced a measure aimed at preventing Shariah from being applied, though an Idaho judge has never based a ruling on Islamic law.

Scholars say there's little to no threat to US democracy from Islamic law.

"The theme of today is drowning out racism", said counter-protester Tony Murphy, standing next to demonstrators with colorful earplugs. A man collapsed under the piercing midday sun while watching a speech at the anti-Shariah ACT for America rally.

Denise Zamora, 39, of Upland said the group wasn't opposed to all Muslims.

The event was part of a nationwide protest campaign against Sharia law, that took place in front of the Valencia State College's East Campus with each group chanting and shouting across the entrance of the campus at each other.

Shariah is "the principle of treating other people justly, of making sure that the financial system treats people fairly. and most importantly the basic principles of Islamic fate, "Harvard law professor Noah Feldman told CNN".

On Saturday counter-demonstrations were planned by opponents who called the events anti-Muslim.