Islamophobia ramps up before Texas midterms as Muslims push to vote
Texas lawmakers' 'Sharia-free Texas' caucus has drawn 38 members in the 150-seat chamber and the congressional 'Sharia-Free America' caucus 68; Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to ban Sharia while Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued to dissolve CAIR. Muslims are under 2% of the Texas population.
Ahead of the 3 November US midterm elections, political rhetoric aimed at Muslims has intensified in Texas. According to Al Jazeera, Muslims make up less than 2% of the state's population, yet they feature frequently in the campaign agenda.
The 'Sharia-free' caucuses
In March, state lawmakers launched a 'Sharia-free Texas' caucus, which has drawn 38 members in the 150-seat chamber. Earlier, Representatives Chip Roy and Keith Self had launched a 'Sharia-Free America' caucus in Congress, which has grown to 68 members. In June the Texas Republican Party adopted a 'Don't Sharia my Texas' platform proposing criminal punishment, disqualification from public, military and law-enforcement service, denaturalisation and deportation.
Officials' actions
Governor Greg Abbott has vowed to fully ban Sharia law in Texas and in 2025 designated CAIR-Texas (the Council on American-Islamic Relations) a 'terrorist organisation'. Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to dissolve the group and is investigating the East Plano Islamic Center. Senator Ted Cruz has said Sharia law is fundamentally inconsistent with the Constitution.
The community's response
The Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH) oversees more than 30 mosques. Its president, Emran Gazi, says Muslims are being pushed out and discriminated against everywhere. The community has stepped up election preparations, including a 'BBQ and Ballots' event at a Frisco mosque. Democrat Gina Hinojosa is challenging Greg Abbott for governor, and Democrat James Talarico is challenging Ken Paxton for the Senate.
Official statement
We will fully ban Sharia Law in Texas.
— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas
