Republicans threaten Texas housing project, allege attempt to bring Sharia law

Imran Chaudhary, a property developer in Texas, has alleged receiving hate calls almost daily over a proposed housing and community project. The threats escalated after his team revealed early plans for a new community development in East Texas, reported news agency AFP.

The proposal includes 1,000 homes, a hospital, a community centre, and a place of worship. The project is meant to serve a growing population near East Plano.

But opponents, including Republican lawmakers, are not convinced. Senator John Cornyn claimed the site may violate the rights of Jewish and Christian Texans. Governor Greg Abbott went further, calling it an attempt to bring in Sharia law. “To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas,” Abbott wrote on social media.

Texas has laws that reject the use of foreign legal systems like Sharia.

Chaudhary said the development is not for a specific community. “Anybody can use our services,” he told AFP. He said all legal guidelines are being followed, and even invited Abbott to a barbeque to ease tensions — but got no reply.

The EPIC community, which began in Plano 20 years ago, says the new land near Josephine is simply a much-needed expansion.

Still, protests and social media misinformation have slowed down the approval process. At a recent town hall, critics voiced fears about the nature of the project. Chaudhary and his team say they remain committed, but worry about rising hostility.