Minnesota senator launches anti-Sharia caucus to curb perceived cultural erosion

Minnesota State Senator Michael Holmstrom unveiled a caucus aimed at opposing the influence of Sharia law in the state, arguing that recent immigration from countries with strict religious codes has weakened community bonds. Citing a 2020 estimate of at least 140,000 Muslims in Minnesota, many of whom are foreign-born, he expressed alarm over practices such as female genital mutilation and allegiance to extremist groups.

Holmstrom claimed that assimilation is faltering, pointing to changes in neighborhoods like St. Cloud as evidence of eroding cohesion. He accused opponents of branding any anti-Sharia stance as bigotry, which he says discourages reporting on issues like fraud uncovered by a journalist at one outlet. The senator affirmed that the caucus will be launched within the week and will pursue related legislation, while criticizing Democratic leaders for not taking the matter seriously.