Abbott Demands Enforcement of Texas Laws Against Unauthorized Religious Courts
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called on local District Attorneys to investigate and take action against alleged Sharia “courts” purportedly operating within Texas. Abbott emphasized that only Texas laws enforced by Texas courts govern the state’s residents.
In a formal letter sent to North Texas district attorneys, sheriffs, the Texas Attorney General, and the Department of Public Safety, Governor Abbott urged thorough investigations into entities allegedly conducting religious tribunals under Sharia law, which he stated have no legal authority under Texas or U.S. law.
Abbott underscored that the U.S. Constitution’s religious protections do not allow religious courts to override or bypass state and federal laws by simply assuming the appearance of legal formality. He described such tribunals as acting outside the bounds of the fundamental principles of American due process.
The stance follows recent legislative measures in Texas banning the use of foreign laws, including Sharia law, in certain family law cases, reflecting ongoing concerns by conservatives about external legal influences.
In an expanded crackdown on organizations he accuses of undermining Texas laws, Abbott has designated groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, banning them from land purchases and intensifying enforcement actions.
CAIR strongly denies the accusations, labeling Abbott’s actions as “anti-Muslim bigotry” and announcing their readiness to legally challenge any resulting policies.
The governor’s call for investigations into alleged Sharia courts ties into broader political and cultural debates in Texas regarding religious freedom, legal authority, and community security.
Abbott’s efforts have generated both support and criticism, with his supporters praising a defense of state sovereignty and critics warning of discrimination and erosion of civil liberties.
