Four Texans in Congress vote against resolution condemning QAnon conspiracy theory
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FILE – In this Aug. 2, 2018, file photo, a protesters holds a Q sign waits in line with others to enter a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Facebook and Twitter promised to stop encouraging the growth of the baseless conspiracy theory QAnon, which fashions President Donald Trump as a secret warrior against a supposed child-trafficking ring run by celebrities and government officials. But the social media companies haven’t succeeded at even that limited goal, a review by The Associated Press found. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE – In this Aug. 2, 2018, file photo, a protesters holds a Q sign waits in line with others to enter a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Facebook and Twitter promised to stop
Photo: Matt Rourke, STF / Associated Press
FILE – In this Aug. 2, 2018, file photo, a protesters holds a Q sign waits in line with others to enter a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Facebook and Twitter promised to stop encouraging the growth of the baseless conspiracy theory QAnon, which fashions President Donald Trump as a secret warrior against a supposed child-trafficking ring run by celebrities and government officials. But the social media companies haven’t succeeded at even that limited goal, a review by The Associated Press found. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
FILE – In this Aug. 2, 2018, file photo, a protesters holds a Q sign waits in line with others to enter a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Facebook and Twitter promised to stop
Photo: Matt Rourke, STF / Associated Press
Four Texas congressmen voted against a House resolution condemning QAnon, an online pro-Trump conspiracy movement that targets high-profile figures and members of the federal government.
A largely bipartisan effort, the resolution passed on Friday with an overwhelming majority of 371-18.
U.S. Reps. Brian Babin of Woodville, Jodey Arrington of Lubbock, Michael Burgess of Lewisville and Bill Flores of Bryan, all Republicans, were among the 17 GOP members who voted against the resolution, which denounces QAnon and other extremist groups that have been gaining popularity in recent months.
None of the four Texans voting against the measure spoke about the measure before Friday’s House vote.
In a statement provided to Hearst Newspapers, Arrington said there is a difference between conspiracies and criminal activity, with the former protected under the First Amendment. He criticized the resolution for not denouncing “Antifa and other radical Leftist groups.”
“Instead of political stunts, Democrat leadership should be working on bipartisan legislation to provide relief to working families and small businesses in a time of unprecedented crisis,” the statement reads.
The offices of the other three Republicans did not respond to requests for comment.
“I believe this resolution is crucial,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat. “It is crucial because it is dangerous to remain silent.”
QAnon followers believe members of the federal government are embroiled in a secret plot to take over the world while running global child sex trafficking rings. Considered an extremist theory, it has nevertheless taken over certain corners of the Internet and has been linked to criminal activity.
President Donald Trump has not denounced the movement.
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