An Anxious Season for Muslims in Texas
Facing severe political attacks and threats, Muslim civil-liberties activists in Texas are urging their communities to vote.
In Texas, Muslims are facing an anxious season amid a surge in hostile rhetoric from political leaders. The local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), founded by Tarek Hussein, a physical therapist, recently faced opposition at a Republican Party convention in Houston. Members of the GOP attempted to remove Hussein and another Muslim delegate due to their association with CAIR, which Governor Greg Abbott has labeled as a foreign terrorist organization.
Hussein expressed shock at the hostility displayed at the convention, where the GOP approved a resolution calling for the stripping of U.S. citizenship and deportation for those advocating for Sharia, a set of guidelines for Muslims' daily lives and worship. Despite the resolution, Hussein decided to remain at the convention and participate in discussions with other faith communities, hoping dialogue could bridge divides.
However, during a session with the Judeo-Christian Caucus, a former Southern Baptist minister warned attendees that Muslims only pose a threat if they gain power. This incident echoes historical patterns of targeting Muslims in the U.S., following events like the 9/11 attacks and subsequent backlash. In recent years, an increasing number of politicians have spread unsubstantiated claims about an Islamic presence in the country, rallying support for restrictive immigration policies and denouncing groups like CAIR.
Notably, Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Abbott have both made comments targeting Muslims, further fueling an environment of fear and division among Texas's Muslim community.
Written by urgent.news from The New Yorker's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
