US Leader Sparks Outrage Over Hanuman Statue Comments
A Texas Republican leader, Alexander Duncan, has drawn sharp criticism for remarks about a 90-foot statue of Lord Hanuman in Sugar Land, Texas. The statue, called the Statue of Union, stands at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple.
Duncan’s Remarks
Duncan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Why are we allowing a false statue of a false Hindu God to be here in Texas? We are a CHRISTIAN nation.”
He also quoted a passage from the Bible, Exodus 20:3-4:
“You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind…”
Backlash and Response
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) condemned Duncan’s comments as “anti-Hindu and inflammatory”. It has asked the Texas Republican Party to investigate and take action.
Many social media users reminded him that the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Some pointed out that sacred Hindu texts like the Vedas predate many Christian texts and deserve respect.
Statue of Union
The Statue of Union is a 90-foot tall bronze statue dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It was unveiled in August 2024 and is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the U.S. The statue is designed to symbolize devotion, unity, and spiritual strength.
