Following overwhelming support from Republican voters for banning Sharia law in Texas, a group of state lawmakers has announced the formation of a new caucus focused on addressing the issue.
State Rep. Brent Money unveiled the Sharia Free Texas Caucus on Thursday, saying the group will develop legislative proposals aimed at preventing the influence of Islamic law in the state.
“I think that one of the biggest issues facing Texas right now is the Islamization of Texas,” Money told Texas Scorecard in an interview. “We are seeing throughout the world what it’s like when you have runaway immigration and enclaves of Islamic communities that don’t assimilate into culture.”
Money pointed to the results of a recent Republican primary ballot proposition addressing the issue.
Proposition 10, which asked GOP primary voters whether Texas should prohibit Sharia law, passed with roughly 95 percent support statewide.
Money said the vote reflected widespread concern among Republican voters.
“I think it’s time for us to educate Texans about what that is and begin to work on policy proposals for the 90th legislative session to address those things,” said Money.
Money said the caucus will focus on examining how Sharia law—an Islamic legal framework derived from the Quran—conflicts with American constitutional protections.
“Sharia law is an entire civilizational legal structure,” Money said. “It encompasses finance, how we eat, how marriages are conducted, what you’re allowed to wear, what happens if you decide to leave the faith, and what happens when someone insults your religion. All of these things are incompatible with the constitutional protections that are afforded to citizens of the United States.”
Money acknowledged the caucus drew inspiration from a federal effort launched in December.
The Sharia Free America Caucus, led by U.S. Reps. Keith Self and Chip Roy, now boasts 46 members from 22 different states.
“Certainly we are following their lead,” Money said. “There are things about Sharia law that must be addressed with federal policy, and there are things that must be addressed with state policy, and we expect to work closely hand in hand with them.”
According to a press release announcing the effort, founding members include State Reps. Brent Money, Daniel Alders, Janis Holt, Andy Hopper, Carrie Isaac, Mitch Little, Shelley Luther, Don McLaughlin, Mike Olcott, Katrina Pierson, Keresa Richardson, Alan Schoolcraft, Joanne Shofner, Steve Toth, Wes Virdell, and Trey Wharton.
Money said the caucus plans to grow its membership and develop policy proposals ahead of the next legislative session.
“I think the membership is going to grow quickly and hopefully will eventually be a majority of the Texas House,” he said.
“This was never meant to be an exclusive club,” he added. “We need ideas. We need to flesh those out in a way that a caucus can and really be able to move the needle on the policies.”
