Three months after a new caucus focused on Islamic law took shape in the Texas House, Representative Keith Self (R-TX) is keeping the conversation alive, connecting the issue directly to what he sees as the bedrock principles of American life.
Self took to social media to voice his support for the broader movement, framing the debate in terms of American founding principles. In a post on X, he argued that Sharia law stands in direct conflict with a core American belief: that all people are created equal.
"Sharia rejects a foundational American principle that all people are created equal," Self wrote. "It's time we realize not all cultures are created equal. Are we willing to defend our Christian civilization?"
He added a parenthetical that seemed aimed at broadening his appeal beyond religious lines: "Whether or not you count yourself a Christian, you accept the benefits of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'"
Additionally, Self elaborated on his thinking, grounding his concerns in constitutional values rather than purely religious ones.
"We are based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — things outlined in our Declaration of Independence and codified in the U.S. Constitution," he commented. "All men are created equal, but as an individual you must have some self-governing mechanism within you that says we live by the rule of law. These people don't believe that."
Sharia Free Texas Caucus
Self's comments came as Representative Brent Money (R-TX) and nearly 30 Republican colleagues announced the formation of the Sharia Free Texas Caucus in the Texas House.
The group says it intends to examine how Islamic legal principles interact with constitutional protections and develop legislation accordingly.
Supporters of the caucus echo Self's argument that Sharia is incompatible with American legal traditions, pointing to concerns about free speech, equal protection, and religious freedom.
Critics, however, note that the U.S. Constitution already prevents any foreign or religious legal system from overriding American law, and that courts are obligated to reject rules that conflict with constitutional protections.
Self's remarks nonetheless signal that the conversation is unlikely to fade from the political spotlight anytime soon.
