A Texas Republican leader, Alexander Duncan, sparked criticism over a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman, called the ‘Statue of Union,’ in Sugar Land, Texas. Duncan, calling the U.S. a Christian nation, questioned why a “false statue of a false Hindu God” stands in Texas.
He also cited the Bible, quoting 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 remarks caused a backlash on social media. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) called his statement “anti-Hindu and inflammatory” and reported the incident to the Texas Republican Party. They urged the party to take action against him.
Many netizens reminded Duncan that the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of religion. For example, Jordan Crowder pointed out that the Vedas predate Christianity and influenced it. He advised Duncan to respect and learn about Hinduism.
The ‘Statue of Union,’ unveiled in 2024 at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, ranks among the tallest Hindu monuments in the U.S. Moreover, it was envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji and is the third-tallest statue in the country.
