Dallas – In the weeks following the November 3 midterm elections, Texas officials have taken a leading role in the national debate over the application of foreign religious law, particularly Sharia, to American courts and government agencies. Governor Greg Abbott signed HB 4211 in June 2025, targeting discriminatory real‑estate practices, and on April 6, 2026 Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a subpoena to the Dallas‑based Islamic Tribunal, demanding documents that suggest the group may be claiming judicial authority.
State actions reinforce constitutional protections
Both the Abbott administration and Paxton argue that these steps protect First Amendment freedoms and prevent any foreign legal system from superseding U.S. law. Abbott’s signing ceremony on September 12 highlighted the proposed EPIC City development, emphasizing that Texas will not allow any legal framework that conflicts with constitutional rights. Paxton’s demand for records is framed as a necessary check to ensure that private religious tribunals do not overstep into government functions.
Local impact: Richardson’s new mosque
Richardson residents will see the inauguration of Dar Al‑Tawheed Masjid on November 27 at 201 N. Plano Road, a former church property now repurposed for worship, education and outreach. The event was delayed from an earlier November 6 date due to construction setbacks. Imam Karim AbuZaid, who recently addressed election results, warned that elected officials must not replace divine law with “man‑made laws,” a sentiment echoed by many in the community.
National context: Florida and New Jersey moves
Florida’s HB 1471, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, bars courts and agencies from applying foreign or religious law when it would violate constitutional rights. A federal judge recently declined to block most of the state’s designation of the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) and CAIR‑Florida as domestic terrorist organizations, though he limited enforcement of penalties related to legal‑service provisions.
New Jersey’s Assembly Bill 1146 proposes a state definition of Islamophobia to guide officials assessing discriminatory intent. While the bill preserves First Amendment rights, critics question how it will distinguish legitimate policy criticism from false collective accusations against Muslim Americans.
Congressional response
U.S. Representatives Keith Self and Chip Roy launched the Sharia‑Free America Caucus in December 2025. By June 2026 the caucus counted 68 members from 25 states and has promoted legislation such as H.R. 5722, the Preserving a Sharia‑Free America Act, which seeks to limit any federal endorsement of foreign religious law.
Demographic backdrop
Pew Research Center estimates about 5.5 million Muslims of all ages live in the United States in 2026, up from 2.4 million in 2007. This growth underscores the importance of clear constitutional boundaries that protect both religious freedom and free speech.
What’s next?
Florida must defend its CAIR designations in court, New Jersey lawmakers will need to clarify how their proposed definition will be applied, and Texas authorities must substantiate any claim that a private religious tribunal exercised governmental power. All three states illustrate how local and state leaders are testing the limits of religious law under the Constitution, reinforcing the principle that no foreign legal system can override American freedoms.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
