On the other side, a large inter-faith coalition fights back — saying they're here to fight back against hate. "Muslims are welcome here." pic.twitter.com/KmIVvINinW — Ramona Giwargis (@RamonaGiwargis) June 10, 2017

About 60 people, organized by ACT for America, a nonprofit aimed at combating Islamic extremism, stood at the corner of Stevens Creek Boulevard and Winchester Avenue to protest Sharia law, which refers to guidelines or principles that form part of the Islamic tradition. On the opposite side, near Santana Row, an inter-faith coalition outnumbered the anti-Sharia protesters — holding signs that read “stop the hatred,” and “Muslims are welcome here.”

The South Bay group opposing Sharia law, organized locally by a man who calls himself “Joe,” said its principles are unconstitutional and encourages Muslims to rape women and mutilate girls. He said the Islamic law is incompatible with Western democracy, but he and other protesters could not point out any examples of Sharia law in the United States.

“We’re not anti-Muslim,” chimed in Jack Smith, 20, a San Jose grocery store clerk. “We are against radical Islam — a man blowing himself up at an Ariana Grande concert and killing 22 people in the name of Allah. Young girls being mutilated by a Muslim doctor in Michigan.”

But protesters on the other side said Sharia law isn’t accepted in the U.S. — and Muslims practice a peaceful religion that’s been demonized under President Donald Trump. Maria Ahmad, 43, a Muslim woman who’s lived in the Bay Area her entire life, says the divisive political climate makes her feel unwelcome in San Jose.

“This is where I grew up. We are paying taxes and contributing to this country — not taking away,” said Ahmad, a property manager. “I wanted to show we stand in unity and we can co-exist, but the hate has got to go.”

Curt Weschler, 65, held a sign that called Trump a “thoroughly American fascist pig.”

“He’s got his finger on the atomic bomb,” Wechsler said. “He’s got to be stopped.”

The demonstrations got heated when the counter-protesters crossed the street, chanting, “No hate, no fear, Muslims are welcome here,” and “Islamaphobic fascists” near the anti-Sharia group. They shouted back: “Build that wall,” and “Go back to your safe space.”

A confrontation ensues as the folks supporting equality cross to the other side. "Why do you defend the mutilation of girls?" says one man. pic.twitter.com/IkkYkM17pi — Ramona Giwargis (@RamonaGiwargis) June 10, 2017

No arrests were reported in San Jose or Santa Clara.

In Seattle, hundreds marched through downtown, banging drums, cymbals and cowbells behind a large sign saying “Seattle stands with our Muslim neighbors” while bicycle police officers separated them from an anti-Sharia rally numbering in the dozens.

In front of the Trump building in downtown Chicago, about 30 people demonstrated against Islamic law and in favor of Trump, shouting slogans and holding signs that read “Ban Sharia” and “Sharia abuses women.” About twice as many counter-protesters marshaled across the street.

A similar scene played out in a park near a New York courthouse, where counter-protesters sounded air-horns and banged pots and pans in an effort to silence an anti-Sharia rally. A small but raucous demonstration was held in San Bernardino, where a husband and wife inspired by the Islamic State group killed 14 people and wounded 22 in a 2015 shooting attack.

Clusters of protesters and counter-protesters gathered on four corners of an intersection at a memorial to the slain. Anti-Islamic law demonstrators marched past the building where the shootings occurred.

Back in San Jose, Bruce Bramlett, a reverend at Saint Jude’s Episcopal Church in Cupertino, said he’s hasn’t seen this much hate and division since he marched against war in the 60s.

“I never thought I’d have to do this again. But we’re back at ground zero,” Bramlett said. “I’m a Christian who struggles for inter-faith peace and collaboration. Muslims are my brothers and sisters and I stand with them.”

The AP contributed to this report.