Gov. Greg Abbott has put his signature on House Bill 4211, effectively banning the creation of "Sharia compounds" in Texas. This legislation was ceremonially signed to prevent residential developments, such as the proposed EPIC City, from exclusively serving Muslims and imposing Sharia law, according to official statements. Abbott emphasized that while religious freedom remains a cornerstone of the Texan ethos, it should not be used as a mechanism for segregation.
Abbott argued that the builders behind EPIC City had attempted to rapidly create a community solely open to followers of Islam, a move he suggested would force Sharia law upon residents and limit property rights. "One of the issues at stake is the freedom of religion," Abbott stated. "Another issue at stake is what’s called the right to contract," as mentioned on the Office of the Texas Governor website. He vowed to adamantly ensure the enforcement of laws to protect Texans from such discriminatory practices.
House Bill 4211 targets business strategies that put forth housing developments like EPIC City and mandates regulations to prevent discriminatory housing arrangements and eliminate unfair investment practices. The legislation intends to protect Texans from schemes that could harm their investment in property and personal freedoms.
At the bill signing ceremony, Abbott was joined by a cohort of state and local leaders. Among those in attendance were Congressman Keith Self, Senator Angela Paxton, and Representatives Jeff Leach, Candy Noble, Katrina Pierson, Keresa Richardson, and Matt Shaheen.
