Evan Hunt Challenges Keith Self on Sharia, Religious Freedom and France

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

From violent unrest in France to religious freedom in Collin County, Republican Rep. Keith Self and Democratic challenger Evan Hunt have offered sharply different views about threats to constitutional government and the priorities of Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.

With no debate scheduled before November 3, both candidates were asked follow-up questions about their recent statements. Hunt responded, challenging Self’s remarks about France and explaining his own positions on religious freedom and proposed legislation. Self has not responded to the questions.

From France to Collin County

During an October 20 Fox News interview, Self blamed mass migration for violent unrest in France and suggested the country’s growing Muslim population contributed to the violence.

“We are watching the future of America in France and the U.K., frankly,” Self told Fox News.

Self, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, has argued that Sharia threatens American constitutional principles. He established the Sharia-Free America Caucus with Republican Rep. Chip Roy to oppose what they describe as efforts to impose religious law.

Hunt rejected Self’s explanation of the unrest.

“He’s blaming an entire religious community without establishing a connection. Violence and vandalism should be prosecuted, whoever commits them,” Hunt said.

He argued that economic and political grievances were contributing to the disorder. The Associated Press has also reported that French authorities had not established a connection between immigrants as a group and the violence.

“It manufactures fear and gives people a neighbor to blame instead of a problem to solve. Whether it’s a mosque in McKinney or unrest in France, he keeps returning to the same target.”

Self previously spoke against political Islam during the controversy surrounding a proposed McKinney mosque, warning about threats he believes Sharia poses to American institutions.

Hunt also challenged Self’s description of France as being in a civil war.

“His position demands informed leadership and sound judgment, especially when discussing our allies,” Hunt said.

Asked about concerns he hears from TX-03 residents, Hunt pointed to healthcare costs, housing, jobs, public schools and roads struggling to accommodate growth.

“Attacking somebody’s religion doesn’t lower a single bill,” he said.

Hunt also spoke directly to Muslim residents and those who share Self’s concerns about immigration and national security.

“To Muslim families: You belong here, and your religious freedom deserves the same protection as anyone else’s.”

To those concerned about security, Hunt said:

“I support secure borders and enforcing our laws. The Constitution is supreme. None of that requires treating an entire faith as a threat.”

What Hunt Would Do in Congress

Hunt also faced questions about his Context Corner interview, particularly his stated intention to discredit and disband the Sharia-Free America Caucus established by Self and Roy.

Asked how he would dissolve a voluntary congressional caucus, Hunt explained:

“I cannot unilaterally dissolve a voluntary caucus. I would challenge its claims publicly, urge members to withdraw and build a coalition to defeat discriminatory legislation.”

He also proposed a congressional resolution affirming religious freedom, saying his goal was to protect constitutional rights even if the caucus remained active.

Hunt was also asked about his claim that the caucus violates the First Amendment.

“Forming a caucus is not itself unconstitutional, but its intent can be,” he said.

He pointed to H.R. 5722, the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act, introduced by Roy with Self among its original co-sponsors. The bill would restrict immigration benefits for noncitizens who adhere to Sharia law and seek to limit judicial review of certain immigration decisions.

Self and Roy have presented the legislation as an effort to protect national security and constitutional government. Hunt argues that it raises religious-freedom and due-process concerns.

Hunt also proposed a separation-of-church-and-state caucus and a Public School Religious Freedom Act. The proposed legislation would address government-mandated religious displays and devotional instruction while protecting voluntary prayer.

“Government should protect your faith, not choose it for you,” Hunt said.

Asked about his visits to local Muslim communities, Hunt provided more detail:

“I have visited the major Mosques in Collin County. Those conversations covered specific subjects, including Sharia, constitutional government and extremism. None of the imams I met advocated replacing civil law with religious law.”

Hunt also addressed concerns involving Hindu residents in Frisco, citing the proposed Gita Mandir temple, public allegations of H-1B visa fraud and rhetoric describing Indian residents as an “invasion.” He said he would defend equal treatment in zoning decisions and support investigations of credible threats or suspected fraud.

On legislation addressing religious extremism, Hunt said he would consider measures targeting clearly defined criminal conduct, provided they preserve due process and apply equally across religions.

“Peaceful belief, worship or association must never be treated as proof of criminality,” he said.

The Questions Facing TX-03

Hunt’s responses provide more detail about his positions and what he would pursue in Congress. Self’s answers to the follow-up questions remain outstanding.

With Election Day approaching and no debate scheduled, voters have heard the candidates’ positions separately but have yet to see them challenged face-to-face.