Houston: State Representative Suleman Lalani has announced that Texas lawmakers and interfaith leaders will gather for an urgent press conference condemning rising Islamophobia and defending religious freedom across the state.
The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM on the front steps of the Fort Bend County Justice Center in Richmond, Texas.
According to the official statement, the press conference will bring together elected officials, faith leaders, and community representatives to address what organizers describe as a recent increase in misinformation, divisive rhetoric, and hostility directed toward Muslim communities in Texas. Leaders say the gathering aims to promote unity and reaffirm the constitutional rights of all Texans to practice their faith freely.
Representative Suleman Lalani stated that the purpose of the event is to send a clear message that discrimination based on religion has no place in Texas.
He emphasized that the state has long been home to diverse communities who live and work side by side, and that targeting any group because of their faith threatens the safety and dignity of all residents.
The press conference comes amid controversy surrounding the formation of the “Sharia Free Texas Caucus,” a political initiative that critics argue promotes harmful stereotypes about Muslim communities.
Organizers of the interfaith event say such rhetoric contributes to fear-based narratives that undermine Texas’ tradition of religious liberty.
During the event, participating faith leaders and lawmakers are expected to call for respectful political discourse and emphasize solidarity among different religious communities.
The speakers will also reaffirm that the U.S. Constitution guarantees every American the right to worship freely without discrimination or intimidation.
The gathering will be held at the front steps of the Fort Bend County Justice Center, located at 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle in Richmond, Texas.
Organizers say the symbolic location highlights the importance of justice, equality, and constitutional protections for all citizens.
Media outlets have been encouraged to attend the event, and speakers will be available for interviews following the press conference.
Community leaders hope the event will help reduce tensions, promote dialogue, and reinforce a message of unity across Texas.