Texas Republican leader Alexander Duncan has drawn widespread criticism for his comments opposing a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman at a Hindu temple in Sugar Land, Texas, sparking debate over religious freedom and discrimination.
Duncan objected to the construction of the “Statue of Union” at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, posting on social media platform X: “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation.”
Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!pic.twitter.com/uAPJegLie0
— Alexander Duncan (@AlexDuncanTX) September 20, 2025
In a follow-up post, the Republican leader quoted biblical scripture, stating: “You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.” Exodus 20:3-4.”
Religious Freedom Groups Respond
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s statements as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory,” formally reporting the incident to the Texas Republican Party and demanding disciplinary action.
“Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination-displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate-not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause?” the Hindu American Foundation posted.
Social media users challenged Duncan’s characterization of Hinduism and reminded him of constitutional protections for religious practice. X user Jordan Crowder responded: “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and are extraordinary texts. And there’s obvious influences on Christianity…so it would be wise to honor and research the ‘religion’ that predates and influences yours.”
About the Monument
The “Statue of Union,” unveiled in 2024, stands as one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States and ranks as the nation’s third-tallest statue overall. The monument was conceived by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji and represents a significant cultural landmark for the Hindu American community.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious pluralism in American communities, particularly as diverse religious populations establish permanent cultural and spiritual landmarks. The incident has reignited discussions about the First Amendment’s protection of religious expression and the separation of church and state.
