(RNS) — Democrats in Congress condemned a recently formed congressional group that claims Islamic religious law is a growing threat in the United States, calling it a “hateful caucus” that discriminates against American Muslims.
In a letter on Monday (June 8), 119 congressional members lodged their opposition to the group to House and Senate leaders, marking the first time Democrats officially responded to the Sharia-Free America Caucus since Republican members launched it last December.
“The premise underlying this caucus and the measures associated with it reflects longstanding Islamophobic narratives and anti-Muslim sentiment rather than any demonstrated policy need,” the Democratic lawmakers wrote.
The caucus targeting Sharia, or Islamic religious law, harkens back to anti-Muslim movements that flourished during the post-9/11 era and the early 2010s.
Led by Republican U.S. Reps. Chip Roy and Keith Self of Texas, the caucus has steadily grown to at least 66 House members from 25 states.
Caucus members have introduced several related House bills in recent months, including the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act and No Shari’a Act, the latter of which aims to ban Sharia in cases where it would “violate constitutional rights, and for other purposes” according to its summary. Critics say it would deny Muslims their right to free speech and freedom of religion.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, speaks with reporters after meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Reached by RNS via email, Rep. Riley Moore, R-W. Va., a member of the caucus, said he wasn’t surprised that Democrats are “defending” Sharia law, which …