UPDATE: A coalition of Muslim and interfaith leaders is demanding Texas Governor Greg Abbott rescind his controversial designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This urgent call comes in response to Abbott’s proclamation, announced on October 3, 2023, which has incited widespread backlash and legal challenges.
The proclamation labels CAIR, a prominent civil rights group, as a “transnational criminal organization,” igniting outrage among community leaders who argue that the governor’s statements are not only defamatory but also dangerous. During a press conference, leaders asserted that Abbott’s designation is a blatant attack on their rights and an attempt to silence dissent against foreign states.
“This is not only contrary to the United States Constitution, but finds no support in any Texas law,” said Mustaffa Carroll, executive director for CAIR Dallas Fort Worth. He emphasized that the governor is targeting CAIR for exercising its First Amendment rights, particularly its criticisms of foreign governments involved in human rights violations.
In a significant legal push, CAIR has filed a lawsuit against the state, asserting that Abbott’s declaration violates both the U.S. Constitution and state law. The group contends that such terrorism designations fall under federal jurisdiction, and Texas has overstepped its authority. The lawsuit also highlights concerns over the implications of Abbott’s decree, which bars CAIR from purchasing land in Texas under a newly enacted statute aimed at limiting acquisitions by “foreign adversaries.”
Critics, including other faith leaders, have rallied in support of CAIR. Deborah Armintor from Jewish Voice for Peace stated,
“We stand steadfast in solidarity with our comrades in CAIR and in unwavering support in their lawsuit against Abbott’s false and unconstitutional proclamation.”
The backlash against Abbott’s remarks underscores a growing concern among various communities about the rising rhetoric targeting Muslims in the U.S. State Rep. Terry Meza condemned the governor’s comments, declaring,
“They’re not just wrong, they’re dangerous. Making comments like this is dangerous to our Muslim community.”
As the lawsuit unfolds, the legal battle could set a precedent for how state-level designations of terrorist organizations are handled in court. The ramifications of Abbott’s proclamation may extend beyond CAIR, impacting the broader Muslim community and civil rights advocacy in Texas.
The situation remains fluid as community leaders and activists prepare for ongoing legal proceedings, urging individuals to stand against what they describe as an unconstitutional overreach by state officials. Next steps include upcoming court hearings that will determine the fate of Abbott’s designation and its implications for CAIR and other organizations.
This developing story is expected to resonate widely as it touches on fundamental issues of civil rights, freedom of speech, and the legal parameters of state versus federal authority. Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.