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Cornyn Files 'Defeat Sharia Law in America Act' After House GOP Hearing

Opponents warn the effort violates the First Amendment.

Overview

  • The bill would amend the Civil Rights Act to classify implementing Sharia rules in public accommodations as religious discrimination and to block municipalities or employers from coercing adherence.
  • Sen. Tommy Tuberville is a co-sponsor, aligning with the Sharia‑Free America Caucus led by Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self.
  • The legislative push follows a House subcommittee hearing where witnesses Stephen Gelé, Robert Spencer, Krista Schild, and Ilya Somin testified, Democrats challenged the premise, and a GOP member asked for concrete instances of forced imposition.
  • Reason reported that a separate draft titled the Preserving a Sharia‑Free America Act would authorize deportation of non‑citizens deemed adherents to Sharia, which Somin testified would be unconstitutional.
  • Republicans continue to cite the EPIC City plan in North Texas as a focal example, though the DOJ closed a related probe last summer without charges and Texas has enacted a state ban on so‑called Sharia compounds.