Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called on the Department of Public Safety and local prosecutors to investigate what he describes as “Sharia tribunals” operating in the state. In a letter, he urged law enforcement to clamp down on entities “masquerading as legal courts” that allegedly enforce Islamic law in ways that conflict with state and federal statutes.
Abbott asserted that while religious courts may exist, no group is permitted to operate a parallel legal system that could override U.S. law:
“The Texas Constitution does not allow Sharia courts,” Abbott said. Dallas News
He added that the alleged tribunals are trying to “evade neutral and generally applicable laws … by donning robes and pronouncing positions inconsistent with Western civilization.” Yahoo
The governor’s announcement comes shortly after he signed House Bill 4211, which prohibits “Sharia compounds,” a move widely seen as targeting a planned Muslim-centered development known as EPIC City near Dallas. Proponents of the development have denied any plans to enforce religious law, calling Abbott’s claims inflammatory.
In addition, Abbott directed the Texas DPS to launch criminal investigations into CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) and the Muslim Brotherhood, alleging they promote extremist ideology and Sharia implementation in Texas.
His actions come amid a broader public debate: critics, including Muslim advocacy groups, argue the governor’s efforts amount to fear-mongering and discrimination.
While Abbott insists the measures protect Texas values and prevent religious overreach, legal experts note that previous laws (such as a 2017 statute limiting foreign law in certain court cases) already restrict the application of foreign legal codes—including Sharia—in Texas courts.
