Sharia Law in Texas? Lawmakers Concerned About Proposed Islamic “Mega City” Development

State and local officials in Texas are expressing concern and doubt about plans by the East Plano Islamic Center, or EPIC, to develop an Islamic-centered city just north of Dallas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already called on the Texas Rangers to investigate the development and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has said the development could be illegal.

What Is EPIC City and How Is It Tied To Islam?

EPIC City is the name of a proposed development near Josephine, Texas, between Collin and Hunt Counties. The name comes from the East Plano Islamic Center which proposed the development and purchased over 400 acres for the development in an unincorporated part of the county. The development would include more than 1,000 homes along with a school, retail spaces, parks, and recreation areas that all surround a giant mosque at the center of the city, according to WFAA.

The Daily Mail reported that the development would have loudspeakers that would play the call to prayer for Muslims throughout the day.

The Texan News reports that in an announcement video, the project is designed to bring "Islam to the forefront".

The announcement video for the community states it is designed to “[bring] Islam to the forefront” and will “celebrate diversity and promote unity … to foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity for all residents regardless of their background.”

 

Sharia Law and Only Muslims Allowed in EPIC City?

In February, this proposed development began making headlines when the proposals began coming out for EPIC that called for the development to become "the epicenter of Islam in America". That got the attention of Governor Abbott, who took to X to say that Sharia Law and Sharia cities are not allowed in Texas.

Developers and their investment group, Community Capital Partner then clarified it would not ban anyone according to The Texan.

While concerns have been raised regarding the new Muslim-centric community for months, in February, the Dallas Morning News received comment from CCP saying it would abide by the Fair Housing Act and “will not enforce blanket bans on any group of people, but we will conduct thorough individualized assessments of prospective buyers to ensure they align with our goals of safety and security.”

 

Development Already on the Ropes

According to WFAA, a community meeting was held inside the Collin County Commissioners Court earlier this week. It was an overflow crowd, with most residents against the development. One of the representatives of EPIC City spoke and said that anyone could purchase land or a home in the development, but Collin County Judge Chris Hill said that appeared to be "inconsistent" with the documents he has seen. Others have agreed.

WFAA reported that the county "made it clear their vision likely will not come to fruition"