Source reporting: Texas Scorecard
U.S. Rep. Keith Self of McKinney has filed a concurrent resolution calling on Congress to denounce Sharia law and affirm that no foreign or religious legal system may supersede the U.S. Constitution, according to Texas Scorecard.
Self filed the measure on September 3. As a concurrent resolution, it is nonbinding and would not create a criminal prohibition, alter court jurisdiction or change existing federal law. Its immediate effect is to state a congressional position if adopted by both chambers.
The resolution characterizes aspects of Sharia as conflicting with constitutional protections involving individual liberty, religious freedom, speech, equality and nondiscrimination. Those descriptions represent the sponsors’ political and legal position; the filing is not a judicial finding that a competing legal system has displaced federal or state law.
Texas Scorecard reported that co-sponsors include Texas Rep. Randy Weber of Friendswood, along with Reps. Buddy Carter, Eli Crane, Paul Gosar, Josh Brecheen, Barry Moore, Clay Fuller, Derrick Van Orden and Mike Kelly. The report attributes supporters’ concern partly to disputes involving planned Muslim communities and facilities, including issues raised in North Texas.
The resolution follows Self’s introduction in July of the Preserving Our Constitution Act. Texas Scorecard reported that the separate bill would restrict federal courts from recognizing foreign or religious legal systems when their application conflicts with the Constitution. That proposal remains before the House Judiciary Committee and, unlike the concurrent resolution, could change federal law if passed by Congress and signed by the president.
The distinction between the two measures is important for public accountability. The resolution expresses a policy view but does not itself impose new rules. The pending bill would require the full legislative process and would be subject to scrutiny over its language, constitutional basis and practical effect.
The development has a direct North Texas connection because Self represents the McKinney area and framed the issue around constitutional supremacy and concerns raised within Texas. It also touches religious-liberty and equal-protection questions. Future committee action, amendments and votes will show whether Congress treats the proposal as a symbolic statement or advances enforceable legislation.