Huston: Suleman Lalani, a member of the Texas House of Representatives representing District 76, has announced the launch of the Texas Interfaith Legislators Caucus, a new legislative initiative aimed at defending religious freedom and pushing back against rising Islamophobia and religious discrimination in the state.
The announcement was made during an Interfaith press conference held in the city of Richmond outside the Fort Bend County Justice Center. The event brought together faith leaders, elected officials, and community advocates who gathered to condemn hate and reaffirm support for the dignity and safety of Muslim Texans and all religious communities.
According to Dr. Lalani, the newly formed caucus is designed to unite lawmakers from different faith traditions and backgrounds to promote religious liberty, human dignity, and unity across Texas. Lalani will serve as Chair of the caucus, while fellow Texas lawmaker Gene Wu will serve as Co-Chair.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Lalani warned that Muslims in Texas are increasingly being turned into political targets.
“Texas Muslims are once again being turned into political targets,” Lalani said. “Let us be honest about what is happening. This is not and has never been about public safety. This is about fear. This is about division. And this is about political distraction.”
During his remarks, Lalani condemned the escalation of inflammatory rhetoric directed at Muslim communities in the state, warning that such attacks threaten the religious freedom of all Texans, not just Muslims.
“When any one community is targeted because of how they pray, all of us are less safe,” Lalani said. “That is why this moment matters, and that is why we are standing together today as legislators, faith leaders, and as one community.”
The press conference featured a diverse group of speakers including Representative Lalani, Representative Gene Wu, Representative Christian Manuel, Pastor John Strader, Imam Emanuel Faroqui, community advocate Jida Nabulsi of Emgage, Dr. Cleo Wadley of BRRD, Anthony Lacasmana of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), religious scholar Salim Jafar, and Dexter McCoy, Commissioner of Fort Bend County.
At the conclusion of the event, Lalani confirmed that he had formally filed the creation of the Texas Interfaith Legislators Caucus on March 12.
“This caucus was formed not out of reaction, but out of the need of the time,” Lalani said. “We have so much more in common than what divides us, and I invite legislators on both sides of the aisle to join us.”
He added that the goal is to build a Texas where no individual feels unsafe or marginalized because of their religious beliefs.
Dr. Lalani also urged Texans to remain civically engaged and morally clear in the face of growing bigotry.
“When we show up, when we organize, and when we refuse to be silent, our voices matter,” he said.
Dr. Lalani represents Texas House District 76 in Fort Bend County, one of the state’s most diverse regions, which includes the cities of Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond, and Meadows Place. A physician with more than 30 years of experience, Lalani continues to serve the community both as a healthcare provider and as a legislator.