Muslim community leaders and civil rights advocates in Texas are raising serious concerns about Governor Greg Abbott’s escalating anti-Muslim rhetoric, warning that his recent actions targeting Islamic organizations represent a dangerous assault on religious freedom and constitutional rights. The backlash comes after Abbott designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization and called for investigations into alleged “Sharia courts,” moves that Muslim groups describe as rooted in debunked conspiracy theories.
“Desperate and Deranged” Actions
CAIR-Texas issued a sharp rebuke of Abbott’s directive to investigate what he called “Sharia tribunals masquerading as legal courts,” calling the governor’s actions “increasingly desperate and deranged”. The group emphasized that attempting to ban Sharia law would be equivalent to banning Jewish halacha or Catholic canon law, characterizing Abbott’s demands as a “direct assault” on religious freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment. “Governor Abbott should visit one of the many mosques across Texas to learn about what sharia really is,” a CAIR spokesperson stated, adding that “the Texas Muslim community fears God, not dishonest fearmongering from politicians who understand Islam about as well as they understand the First Amendment”.
Political Motivations Questioned
Muslim leaders accuse Abbott of weaponizing anti-Muslim sentiment for political gain while catering to pro-Israel interests. CAIR noted that it has successfully sued Abbott three times for unconstitutional attempts to suppress pro-Palestinian expression and activism in Texas. “Greg Abbott is a politician who prioritizes Israel and has spent months inciting anti-Muslim sentiments to tarnish the reputation of American Muslims who critique the Israeli government,” the organization stated. The Texas Democratic Party echoed these concerns, calling Abbott’s actions “dangerous, racist, and Islamophobic” and accusing Republicans of violating First Amendment rights.
Pattern of Targeting Muslim Communities
The controversy extends beyond CAIR to include Abbott’s efforts to block development of a Muslim-focused residential community near the East Plano Islamic Center, which the governor has characterized as a “Sharia compound”. State Representative Salman Bhojani described recent anti-Muslim rhetoric from Texas conservatives as “really insulting,” stating, “This is not what Texas stands for, this is not what America stands for”. Abbott has also shared Islamophobic social media content describing Islam as a “militant ideology,” though some posts were later removed.
Constitutional and Legal Challenges
Muslim organizations have mounted legal challenges against Abbott’s proclamations, arguing they lack a basis in law or fact and violate constitutional protections. CAIR’s lawsuit asserts that the governor’s designation is “defamatory and finds no support in any Texas law,” emphasizing that the organization condemns all forms of violence and terrorism. As tensions escalate, Muslim community leaders vow to continue defending their constitutional rights while calling on Texans of all faiths to reject what they view as divisive and discriminatory policies that threaten the state’s diverse fabric.