TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A new Texas House caucus created to stop Sharia Law is facing pushback.
Over 30 state lawmakers have joined the Sharia Free Texas Caucus. In a statement posted on X (Formerly Twitter), one of the group’s founders, State Rep. Brent Money (R-Greenville), said the caucus is looking to address the teachings of Islam in part by advancing legislation to prohibit Sharia practices they say oppress women or incite violence against non-believers. The caucus also wants to reinforce what they view as the Biblical foundations of Texas.
“We’re just saying, hey, in Texas, we want to be welcoming to people, but you got to be a Texan when you get here,” said Money. He expressed concern over what he said is a growing Islamic influence in the state and wants to ensure there is no parallel legal system in Texas that treats people differently.
“I would say that Islam, the Quran, and the books that they are teaching their children specifically say that the Quran and Islam is the constitution, it is superior to any other constitution,” Money replied when asked if there were two parallel legal systems in Texas.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) has asked senators to look at ways to prevent Sharia Law in Texas before the next legislative session, which starts in 2027.
Anwar Khalifa, a member of the East Texas Muslim community, said he viewed the caucus as a way to promote hatred against Muslims.
“That means to me Muslim-free Texas is what they want to be,” Khalifa said. “Sharia and Islam and Muslims go hand-in-hand.”
Khalifa added that Sharia Law constitutes religious rules Muslims live by, including taking care of one’s family and electing representatives. That set of rules, he mentioned, does not include oppressing women.
“Part of Sharia Law is you have to follow the rules of the country that you’re in,” Khalifa said. “So, for me to follow Sharia, there is no parallel systems. I’ve got to follow the rules and the laws of this country.”
Money said while the government should protect individuals’ ability to privately worship, he feels “not all religions are created equal.”
“If we’re going to give the religious protections and privileges, then we need to ensure that they’re adding those same things, those same values that are good for our society,” Money added.
Khalifa said the new caucus, as well as current immigration enforcement, creates a concerning environment for Muslims.
“All of this is scary to immigrants, and the Muslim community is primarily an immigrant community,” Khalifa said. “There’s plenty of Muslim hate right now, and it’s just scary.”
According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in 2023-24, about two-thirds of adults in Texas identify as Christians, while two percent are Muslim.
Copyright 2026 KLTV. All rights reserved.