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The rapid growth of Islam in Texas and across the nation has been a major concern for grassroots Republicans for months. Following the recent terror attack at a Sixth Street bar in Austin, members of the Texas GOP Caucus are forming a new “Sharia Free Texas” caucus.
This follows the creation of a similar caucus in the federal Congress, led by Texas Representatives Chip Roy and Keith Self. CAIR, a designated foreign terrorist organization, has labeled that caucus an “anti-Muslim” hate group.
In the Texas House, the Sharia Free Texas caucus has been kicked off by Rep. Brent Money and has already exploded in membership, reflecting how prevalent this issue is becoming.
Brandon Waltens with Texas Scorecard addressed the rising concern with the spread of pro-Sharia sentiment in Texas, saying: “Over 95% of Republican primary voters are saying they want to ban Sharia law in Texas. This is an issue that has gotten a ton of attention.”
While Republicans have been messaging on pushing back against Islam and Sharia law for a few years now, Waltens thinks there is still a lot they can do on the issue. He suggested specifically: “Looking at Muslim enclaves like EPIC City in North Texas, there was legislation passed last session to go after them. Is there anything else that needs to be done there?”
He expects that this issue will have enough public attention and enough elected officials in Texas to really be addressed in the upcoming 90th legislative session next spring. Governor Abbott has already messaged strongly on this issue.