A senior Republican leader in Texas has opposed the installation of a 90-foot statue of Hindu deity Hanuman, declaring that the United States is a Christian nation and describing the idol as a “false god.” Alexander Duncan, a state-level Republican figure and senate candidate, took to social media to criticise the newly unveiled “Statue of Union” in Sugar Land, Texas. The bronze structure, located at the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, is the tallest depiction of Hanuman outside India and the fourth-tallest statue in the US. 

“Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu god to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation!” Duncan posted, citing biblical verses from Exodus and Romans. He urged Americans to remain “one nation under God… .” While claiming he did not “hate anyone,” Duncan insisted he was “speaking boldly” about faith, warning that silence on the issue would amount to “real hate.”

 The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned his remarks as discriminatory and called on the Republican Party of Texas to act. “Will you be disciplining your senate candidate who openly contravenes your own guidelines against discrimination — displaying some pretty sordid anti-Hindu hate — not to mention disrespect for the 1st Amendment?” the group said in a statement.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)