Texas Governor Pushes for Ban on Sharia Law

In a recent discussion with Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck, Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the state’s commitment to combatting Islamic extremism. He hinted that a “total ban” on Sharia law might soon be enacted.

On November 18, Abbott labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. CAIR responded, claiming this designation was defamatory and lacked legal grounding.

According to Abbott, the response from CAIR was so inadequate that they had to withdraw several claims from their initial lawsuit, including the assertion of compliance with federal and state laws. “They removed the statement that they were in full compliance,” he noted.

He pointed out that CAIR also rescinded previous claims about not being affiliated with foreign organizations and insisted they were not a threat to national security.

The chapters of CAIR in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin have since filed a lawsuit, asserting that Abbott’s declaration infringed on their First Amendment rights. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has stated that “Islamist terrorist groups are anti-American,” underlining the need to prevent them from entering Texas.

Abbott addressed the ongoing legislative battles over Sharia law, assuring that authorities are actively cracking down. He remarked that recent legislation prohibits certain residential developments, like the East Plano Islamic Center Community, from creating Islamic complexes that could discriminate against Texans.

In September, Abbott directed Paxton and local law enforcement to investigate any attempts by individuals or groups to enforce Islamic law in Texas.

While acknowledging the First Amendment’s protections for religious institutions, Abbott insisted that establishing courts that seemingly replace actual courts to circumvent state laws is problematic. He reiterated, “Sharia law is not recognized in Texas.”

When asked about efforts being made to ban Sharia law, Abbott expressed confidence in Texas Republican voters’ support, especially with a primary election coming up on March 3. He believes that Proposition 10, which seeks to ban Sharia law in Texas, will receive overwhelming support.

“This would create a new law entirely banning Sharia law and ensure its enforcement by the Attorney General,” he concluded.