Most Americans have never heard of a jizya tax, but Congressman Keith Self (R-TX) wants to make sure they never have to pay one either.
Rep. Self introduced the Freedom Against Imposed Theology Harms Act (the FAITH Act) on Monday, targeting what he describes as a growing effort to impose religious financial systems on Americans who want no part of them.
The legislation would make it a federal offense for any person, organization, or government entity to financially pressure individuals because of their religious beliefs or their refusal to follow another person's faith practices.
In other words, no religious taxes, no fines, no coercion.
Self, who co-founded the Sharia-Free America Caucus, now comprising over 60 members of Congress from more than 25 states, has been sounding the alarm on this topic for some time.
However, the FAITH Act is his most direct legislative strike yet. "No American should ever pay a de facto religious tax or face financial penalties for their beliefs," Self said, adding that the bill is designed to draw a firm constitutional line against what he sees as Sharia-adherent financial systems quietly taking root in American communities.
What is a Jizya Tax?
The bill centers on the concept of jizya, a historical poll tax imposed on non-Muslims under Sharia law.
Self points to documented cases in Sub-Saharan Africa as recently as 2026, where armed groups allegedly demanded monthly payments from Christians simply for practicing their faith.
The legislation also carries significant legal firepower. Violations would be prosecuted as predicate offenses under the federal RICO Act, the same law used to take down organized crime rings, giving federal prosecutors a powerful tool to pursue cases.
Bill's Protections
The bill does carve out protections for voluntary religious practice, preserving the right of faith and educational institutions to seek donations from their own members.
Formal opposition has yet to take shape, and the bill's path through Congress remains uncertain.
Supporters say it is a necessary reinforcement of First Amendment protections. Others may argue that existing federal law already covers the conduct the bill targets.
Either way, Congressman Self has put his flag in the ground, and he's clearly prepared to defend it.
