News|IslamophobiaUS Muslim group sues Florida’s DeSantis over ‘terrorism’ designationCAIR lawsuit says the Republican governor is targeting the civil rights group to suppress its advocacy for Palestine.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Florida chapter have initiated legal proceedings against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, challenges the governor's designation of CAIR as a "foreign terrorist…
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Florida chapter have initiated legal proceedings against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, challenges the governor's designation of CAIR as a "foreign terrorist organization," arguing that it infringes upon the group's free speech rights related to its Palestine advocacy.
The executive order issued by Governor DeSantis identifies CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. The lawsuit contends that the order does not provide any criminal charges or federal designations to support this classification, relying instead on political rhetoric.
CAIR claims that the order imposes significant legal consequences on the organization due to its advocacy and viewpoints. The group emphasizes that its activities, including legal challenges against state censorship and support for Palestinian rights, form part of the context in which the executive order was issued.
CAIR argues that the executive order bypasses due process, as it is self-executing, indefinite, and lacks procedural safeguards. The lawsuit highlights that only the U.S. Secretary of State is authorized to designate a "foreign terrorist organization," thereby rendering the state order "preempted" by federal law.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Florida chapter have initiated legal proceedings against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Governor DeSantis has stated that he welcomes the lawsuit, suggesting that it would allow the state to subpoena the group's bank records. CAIR's legal representatives argue that this demonstrates a bias against the organization.
CAIR's lawsuit is part of a broader response to increased Islamophobia and efforts to suppress Muslim groups within the United States. The group has previously challenged similar actions, including a ban on the Students for Justice in Palestine organization.
A similar designation was made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which CAIR is also contesting in court. Additionally, Texas Senator John Cornyn has called for the revocation of CAIR's tax-exempt status based on unsubstantiated claims that the group seeks to impose Islamic law in the United States. CAIR has dismissed these allegations, asserting that they lack legal merit.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
