Texas County Takes Stand Against Sharia With Unanimous Vote

Van Zandt County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Wednesday denouncing Sharia, making it the first Texas county to pass a resolution specifically addressing use of the Islamic religious code. 

Van Zandt County Precinct 2 Commissioner Cliff Williams said he brought the resolution forward because of an 80-acre land purchase in southern Van Zandt County by a family with ties to Muslim youth organizations. 

The resolution was inspired by a draft resolution introduced by Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, that denounces Sharia in the United States. Self’s resolution has not been passed by Congress. 

While introducing the resolution, Williams explained how Sharia is practiced in various Muslim-majority countries. 

“Sharia, as practiced by governments around the world, is more than a private devotion. It operates as a complete political and legal order,” he said. “Where states enforce it, the record speaks for itself. In Iran, women have been beaten in jail for uncovering their hair. In Pakistan, blasphemy laws have sent people to prison and stirred mobs against them on a single person’s accusation.” 

Williams also discussed the treatment of women under some interpretations and applications of Sharia, saying a woman’s testimony is worth half that of a man’s, her inheritance is half that of her brothers, and her ability to work, marry or travel can depend on a male guardian. 

“It’s not American,” Williams said. “Compare that with what we hold as Americans and Texans. Every person stands equal before the law.” 

While denouncing Sharia, Williams made clear that the resolution was not a “statement against our Muslim believing neighbors, who worship freely in this country.” 

Williams also read part of the resolution, which had not been made public at the time of the meeting. 

“Whereas the Constitution of the United States of America, and the laws made pursuant thereto, are the supreme law of Texas and the United States. Whereas any legal or political doctrine that places itself above the Constitution threatens the stability and unity of the county. Whereas to preserve the Western values and the American social compact, the nation must insist on assimilation into the Constitutional order,” the resolution reads.

During public comments, three residents spoke on the resolution. Two expressed their support, while local resident Edie Booth spoke against it, saying it was unnecessary. 

“I ask you to table it or not do it because there’s no need of it,” Booth said. “It’s a little bit distasteful.” 

Despite Booth’s comments, commissioners unanimously approved the resolution. 

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