US Leader’s Comment on Lord Hanuman Statue in Texas Sparks Controversy
Hindu American Foundation condemns anti-Hindu comments; religious freedom advocates demand action.
Srinagar/US, Sep 23: A political controversy erupted in the US city of Sugar Land, Texas, after Republican leader Alexander Duncan questioned the installation of a Lord Hanuman statue on the premises of Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple. Calling it a “false statue of a false Hindu God” in a “Christian nation,” Duncan shared his remarks and a video of the statue on X.
He also cited Exodus 20:3-4 from the Bible, 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.”
Duncan’s statements drew sharp criticism from religious freedom advocates and the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), who condemned the remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory.” HAF also urged disciplinary action against Duncan for violating anti-discrimination guidelines and disrespecting the US Constitution’s Establishment Clause.
“Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination displaying anti Hindu hate and disrespect for the 1st Amendment?” HAF tweeted.
Social media users also criticized Duncan, highlighting the historical significance of Hinduism. Jordan Crowder noted, “Just because you’re not Hindu, doesn’t make it false. The Vedas were written almost 2000 years before Jesus walked the earth and influenced Christianity.”
The Lord Hanuman statue, unveiled in 2024 and popularly called the Statue of Union, currently ranks as the third-tallest statue in the United States.
The incident has reignited debates over religious tolerance, freedom of worship, and cultural respect in the US.
