A Texas Republican leader has ignited controversy with remarks about a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the “Statue of Union,” located at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. The statue, unveiled in 2024, is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States and serves as a symbol of devotion, unity, and inclusiveness, envisioned by spiritual leader Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji.
Alexander Duncan, a Republican figure reportedly affiliated with former President Donald Trump’s party, took to social media platform X to voice his objection to the statue. He wrote, “Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation,” while sharing a video of the monument.
In a follow-up post, Duncan cited the Bible’s Exodus 20:3-4: “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 comments drew widespread backlash on social media and from religious freedom advocates. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned his remarks as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory” and called on the Republican Party of Texas to take disciplinary action. In a public statement, HAF wrote: “Hello @TexasGOP, will you be disciplining your senate candidate from your party who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination—displaying anti-Hindu hate—not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment’s Establishment Clause?”
HAF further emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Hinduism, noting that “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 many religions, including Christianity. It would be wise to honor and research the religion that predates and shapes others.”
The Statue of Union has drawn attention not only from the Indian-American diaspora but also from interfaith groups, highlighting the values of harmony and respect for diverse cultures and religions.
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