Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into "Sharia courts," even though these courts do not exist in Texas. He also labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a "foreign terrorist organisation," but lacks the legal authority to do so. These actions are seen as part of political messaging aimed at raising suspicion toward Muslim-Americans.
Key Facts
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked for an investigation into "Sharia courts" in Texas on November 19.
- In Texas, there are only voluntary Muslim mediation panels, not actual Sharia courts.
- Abbott named the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a "foreign terrorist organisation."
- Designating a group as a foreign terrorist organisation can only be done by the U.S. federal government, not state governors.
- These actions are part of broader political efforts that portray Muslim practices as a security threat.
- In the past, similar campaigns have pushed for laws to prevent the use of Islamic law in U.S. courts.
- A Muslim-led real estate project in Texas was wrongly described as a "Sharia colony"; the project faced a DOJ investigation that found no wrongdoing.
- Tennessee and Michigan have seen similar efforts against Muslim communities, with legal challenges based on religious discrimination.
