Texas Muslims Push Back: CAIR-Texas Condemns Misleading ‘Anti‑Sharia’ Caucus
Advocacy groups say the new legislative caucus is built on misinformation, fearmongering, and a false portrayal of Muslim Texans
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Texas (CAIR‑Texas) and CAIR Action Texas have forcefully rejected the creation of a so‑called “anti‑Sharia” caucus in the Texas Legislature, calling it a political stunt rooted in misinformation rather than reality—one that unfairly targets Muslim Texans.
CAIR recently designated the congressional “Sharia‑Free America Caucus” as an anti-Muslim hate group because of its promotion of conspiracy theories about Islam and American Muslims. Attempts to echo that rhetoric in the Texas Legislature, the organizations say, rely on the same false narratives that stigmatize an entire faith community.
In a joint 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. No religious tradition—Muslim, Jewish, Christian, or otherwise—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, much like kosher laws guide Jewish practice or church teachings guide Christian life. It informs personal choices about prayer, charity, ethics, and family life. It is about faith and personal conduct—not governing institutions or replacing American law.
Islam also calls on believers to stand firmly against oppression. Muslims are taught to defend the rights of women, children, and minorities—values deeply aligned with the principles of justice and equality cherished by Texans.
Yet instead of recognizing 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 faith community is being singled out for suspicion and political theater.
Texans expect their leaders to focus on real challenges—improving schools, strengthening the economy, expanding healthcare access, 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 a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.
CAIR Action Texas is an affiliate of CAIR Action, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization focused on engaging and mobilizing Muslim voters, training emerging leaders, and advancing policy priorities that strengthen community well‑being and representation.