Thu Nov 20 21:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten news article for KXAN Austin:
Summary:
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has escalated his stance against “sharia law” by sending a letter to North Texas law enforcement urging investigations into Islamic tribunals, particularly the Islamic Tribunal, which he believes are circumventing state and federal law under the guise of religious freedom. This move follows Abbott’s declaration of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as terrorist organizations. The Islamic Tribunal, which handles mediation and arbitration in family law issues within the Muslim community, has responded by calling Abbott’s actions discriminatory and factually incorrect, pointing out the long-standing history of other religious courts (Catholic, Jewish) in the US operating within legal bounds.
News Article:
KXAN Austin: Gov. Abbott Targets ‘Sharia Tribunals,’ Sparks Controversy
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott ignited controversy Wednesday with a renewed focus on what he calls “sharia law,” directing North Texas law enforcement to investigate potential criminal violations by Islamic tribunals.
In a letter sent Wednesday morning, Abbott urged authorities to scrutinize entities “purporting to enforce Sharia law,” specifically highlighting the Islamic Tribunal. This action follows a proclamation issued the previous day designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations.
“The U.S. Constitution’s religious protections provide no authority for religious courts to skirt state and federal laws simply by donning robes,” Abbott stated in his directive.
The Islamic Tribunal, which bills itself as a mediation and arbitration firm adhering to Islamic principles in family law matters, has responded sharply to Abbott’s actions.
Dr. Taher Elbadawi, founder of the Islamic Tribunal, released a statement calling the governor’s remarks “factually and legally incorrect,” and accusing him of “attempting to stoke fear and discrimination against Muslims.” Elbadawi emphasized that the Tribunal only handles mediation, and that final enforcement and rulings are handled by Texas courts.
“It is important to remind the Governor that religious courts have been a part of this republic since its founding,” Elbadawi added, pointing to the long-standing legal operation of Catholic and Jewish rabbinical courts in Texas and across the nation. “Their existence and operation are fully protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.”
Abbott’s actions are likely to fuel further debate about religious freedom and the role of religious law within the American legal system.
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