Texas Governor Greg Abbott Bans Sharia Law, Compounds Amid Rising Tensions
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has formally declared a ban on Sharia law and compounds across the state. The announcement, obtained from his verified X account, came as a direct response to a viral video showing protesters holding placards in support of Islamic Sharia practices.
Mr Abbott told PulseNets through his post, “I signed laws that BAN Sharia Law and Sharia Compounds in Texas. No business and no individual should fear fools like this.”
The governor added that anyone attempting to impose Sharia compliance in Texas should immediately be reported to law enforcement or to the Texas Department of Public Safety. “If this person, or ANYONE, attempts to impose Sharia compliance, report it to local law enforcement or the Texas Dept. of Public Safety,” he warned.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The viral footage, which PulseNets obtained, showed a Houston-area Islamic cleric urging shopkeepers to stop selling alcohol, pork, and lottery tickets in line with Sharia law. With a megaphone in hand, the cleric declared, “People should not violate the religion of Islam by selling products that are against our faith. Because we must love what Allah loves and hate what Allah hates. We will be visiting all the stores in the neighbourhood where the religion of Islam is ignored.”
This public call for Sharia compliance prompted immediate backlash, leading to Abbott’s strong reaction.
Mixed Reactions from Texans
While many residents supported the governor’s decision, PulseNets reported that others questioned the necessity of such a ban.
An X user, @JPanjehshahi, wrote, “I don’t understand why we need new laws to prevent this. The Bill of Rights and the Constitution are sufficient.”
Another critic, @brucefenton, argued that Abbott’s statement lacked legal basis, noting, “No. You didn’t. There’s no law you signed that mentions Sharia or Sharia Law.”
Still, some Texans argued the ban was long overdue. Alexander Duncan, using @AlexDuncanTX, challenged the governor, writing, “Then why did a Collin County Judge in 2021 defer a Muslim woman’s divorce case to a Sharia Court? Why are there Islamic prayer rooms in our airports? Why is there Halal food in Texas schools? All of this is part of Sharia….”
Official Declaration from Governor’s Office
The governor’s press office later confirmed the move in a statement posted on X. PulseNets obtained the declaration which read, “In Texas, we believe in equal rights under the law for all men, women, and children. Any legal system that undermines human rights is BANNED in the state of Texas.”
The ‘EPIC City’ Controversy
PulseNets learnt that this is not the first time Mr Abbott has openly opposed Islamic initiatives in Texas. Earlier this year, he condemned the proposed EPIC City project, a Muslim-planned community north of Dallas.
The planned neighbourhood, tied to the East Plano Islamic Centre, was to feature over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 Islamic school, apartments, shops, and even a community college on 400 acres near Josephine between Collin and Hunt counties. The developers described it as “a community aimed at serving the needs of the Muslim community.”
Abbott had previously told PulseNets in March, “The proposed community will never see the light of day.”
Federal and State Investigations
PulseNets reported that in May, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a civil rights investigation into the proposed Muslim-centred community after concerns of discrimination were raised. The probe came following a request by Senator John Cornyn in April, who argued the project might marginalise Christians and Jews.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the federal review to Senator Cornyn, who shared the update on X. Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had already launched a state-level investigation in March.
Muslim Developers Cry Foul
Developers behind the project told PulseNets that they were being unfairly targeted because of their faith. They insisted the community was designed to provide a safe, faith-based environment for Muslims but instead has become a lightning rod for political and cultural battles.
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PulseNets can confirm that the debate over Sharia law in Texas is far from over. Governor Abbott has doubled down on his stance, while Muslim communities insist they are being unfairly singled out. With both federal and state investigations ongoing, the clash between religious freedom and political resistance in Texas will continue to dominate public discourse.
