I received this inquiry:
I’m reviewing the candidates on my ballot. I would appreciate clarification of your positions so that I and members of my community can make informed decisions about whom to support.
Your “Texas Muslims” article addresses equal rights and religious freedom. Could you clarify:
This is my reply:
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Thank you for your questions. My position begins with a simple principle: every Texan has the same individual rights, regardless of religion. The governor’s responsibility is to protect those rights, not to favor one faith or use government power to target another.
All of this content can be shared, and I posted a link on my website
- What specific actions would you take as governor to protect Muslims and other religious communities from discrimination?
As shown in my policy statement (https://patdixon.org/texas-muslims/) I believe every Texan should enjoy equal protection under the law, regardless of religious belief. As governor, I would take the following steps:
- Enforce existing protections. Direct executive agencies to review complaints of religious discrimination within their jurisdiction, investigate where legally authorized, and enforce applicable laws consistently.
- Establish clear agency guidance. Require agencies under my authority to apply neutral standards in their dealings with religious organizations and individuals, including in permitting, public services, and other agency decisions.
- Address discrimination in state government. Review credible allegations that state employees or agencies have treated people differently because of their religion and take appropriate corrective or disciplinary action when warranted by the evidence and applicable law.
- Protect religious expression. Direct agencies to respect lawful religious expression and exercise, subject to constitutional requirements and neutral rules governing public facilities and government operations.
- Refer matters outside the governor’s authority appropriately. Where alleged discrimination falls under another agency’s jurisdiction or involves potentially criminal conduct, refer the matter to the appropriate authority rather than claim powers the governor does not possess.
These steps would use existing executive authority and applicable law. Where additional statutory protections, funding, or enforcement powers are necessary, I would ask the Legislature to consider them.
My goal would not be to give Muslims or any other religious community special privileges. It would be to ensure that government protects the same rights for everyone and does not discriminate on the basis of religion.
- How would you ensure equal treatment in school funding, state contracts and access to public facilities, and protect voluntary religious arbitration?
Government should apply neutral, lawful criteria when allocating public funds, awarding contracts, and allowing access to public facilities. Religious identity alone should not be a basis for excluding an otherwise eligible person or organization. Equal treatment does not mean that every organization is automatically entitled to public funding; it means that government should apply the same lawful standards without religious favoritism or discrimination.
I also support the freedom of individuals to resolve disputes through voluntary religious arbitration, just as people may choose other forms of private dispute resolution. Such arrangements must remain voluntary and subject to applicable law. Religious arbitration should not give anyone immunity from generally applicable law or permit coercion.
As governor, I would work to ensure that executive agencies follow existing legal protections. Any broader changes to school funding rules, contracting requirements, or arbitration law would need to be pursued through the appropriate legislative process.
- What are your positions on Texas’s anti-BDS contracting requirements and investments in foreign government bonds?
Regarding Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (anti-BDS), my position on these questions follows the same principle: Texas government should focus on its responsibilities to Texans rather than use taxpayer-funded institutions to conduct foreign policy.
Texas law currently imposes certain requirements concerning contracts with companies that boycott Israel. I oppose using government contracts to compel political positions unrelated to the goods or services being purchased. I would support legislative efforts to remove such requirements, subject to constitutional and legal review. The governor cannot repeal a statute unilaterally.
On foreign government bonds, my statement on Israel and Texas investments (https://patdixon.org/israel/) explains my position. I do not oppose international investment simply because it takes place outside the United States. The Permanent School Fund, for example, invests internationally as part of diversification.
My objection is to using state investments as a means of expressing political solidarity with a foreign government rather than making decisions on appropriate financial and investment grounds. I believe Texas should invest prudently and manage public funds for their intended beneficiaries, not use them to take sides in foreign-policy disputes.
As governor, I would pursue changes within the authority of the office and work with the Legislature where necessary. Investment decisions also depend on the statutory authority and fiduciary responsibilities of the officials and institutions involved.
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I believe religious liberty must protect everyone, including people whose beliefs differ from mine. The Constitution protects individual rights regardless of which religious or political group holds power.
My approach is to enforce existing law impartially, use executive authority within its lawful limits, and seek legislative changes when existing statutes prevent the state from treating people fairly.
Thank you again for asking these questions. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify my positions and hope these statements are helpful to you and your community.
Sincerely,
Pat Dixon, Libertarian Candidate for Governor of Texas
Website: https://patdixon.org/