The Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas (CAIR-Texas) and CAIR Action Texas today condemned the creation of a so-called “anti-Sharia” caucus in the Texas Legislature, saying it is rooted not in reality, but in misinformation and fear that unfairly targets Muslim Texans.
CAIR recently designated the congressional “Sharia-Free America Caucus” an anti-Muslim hate group because of its promotion of conspiracy theories about Islam and American Muslims. Efforts to replicate similar rhetoric in the Texas Legislature rely on the same false narratives that stigmatize an entire faith community.
SEE: CAIR Designates House’s ‘Sharia Free Caucus’ an Anti-Muslim Hate Group
In a statement, CAIR-Texas and CAIR Action Texas said:
“Let’s do a fact check.
Is Sharia law replacing the Texas Constitution? Absolutely not.
The United States and Texas Constitutions are the law of the land, and no religious tradition can override them. Claims that Muslims are seeking to replace American law with religious law are baseless and have been repeatedly debunked.
For Muslims, Sharia refers to personal religious guidance similar to how kosher laws guide Jewish practice or church teachings guide Christian practice. It shapes personal choices about prayer, charity, ethics, and family life. It is about faith and personal conduct, not replacing American law or governing institutions.
Islam also calls on believers to stand firmly against oppression. Muslims are taught to oppose oppression and defend the rights of women, children, and minorities, values that resonate with the fundamental principles of justice and equality shared by all Texans.
Yet instead of acknowledging the contributions of Muslim Texans, some elected officials continue to promote manufactured fears. Muslim Texans are not a threat. They are doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, first responders, and public servants who strengthen communities across our state.
If lawmakers are concerned about religion influencing our laws, Texans deserve to know why only one religion is being singled out for suspicion and political theater.
Texans expect their leaders to focus on the real challenges facing our state, such as improving schools, strengthening our economy, expanding access to healthcare, and protecting civil liberties, not creating divisive initiatives that target religious minorities.
CAIR-Texas and CAIR Action Texas will continue to defend the civil rights and religious freedom of all Texans and encourage our elected leaders to do the same.”
CAIR Texas is an affiliate of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil rights organization and 501 (c)(3) non-profit. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CAIR Action Texas is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to engaging, educating, and mobilizing Muslim voters, training emerging leaders, and advancing policy priorities that improve community well-being and representation.
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CONTACT: CAIR Action Communications, media@cairaction.org; Sameeha Rizvi, CAIR Texas Civic Engagement Organizer, 512-893-1371, srizvi@cair.com