Florida CAIR Chapter to Sue Governor DeSantis
The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) plans to take legal action against Governor Ron DeSantis. This comes after the Republican governor issued an executive order branding Muslim civil rights organizations as “foreign terrorist organizations.”
At a news conference, Hiba Rahim, the chapter’s deputy executive director, described the order as an attack fueled by conspiracy theories. She likened it to historical discrimination faced by Jewish, Irish, and Italian-American communities.
Rahim expressed her pride in defending constitutional principles and asserted, “We are proud to defend our democracy and to emphasize America First.” She also suggested that the governor’s pro-Israel stance played a role in this order, asserting that the group’s work has led to “discomfort” among U.S. allies. Despite the order, she indicated that CAIR does not plan to withdraw.
Meanwhile, Governor DeSantis stood by his decision, claiming that it was well-founded and welcomed CAIR’s legal challenge, stating that the designation was “long overdue.”
His order also categorizes the Muslim Brotherhood in the same way. Notably, former President Donald Trump had initiated a federal consideration to designate some branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations just last month.
DeSantis expressed anticipation for forthcoming legislation when the Florida Legislature reconvenes in January, calling the executive order “a start.”
Under his directive, state agencies are barred from providing contracts, jobs, or funding to CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any associated organizations.
Attorney Miranda Margolis criticized this executive order, arguing that DeSantis overstepped his boundaries by unilaterally labeling nonprofits as terrorist entities. She stated that the designation lacks any legal or factual basis and represents a troubling increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric.
This move follows a similar one by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who designated CAIR as a terrorist organization. CAIR has previously challenged Abbott’s order in federal court, claiming it violates the U.S. Constitution and Texas law. Muslim and interfaith organizations are urging Abbott to revoke his order.
It’s worth noting that state-level designations do not possess the same legal authority as federal classifications, which can only be issued by the U.S. Department of State.
CAIR contends that Florida’s action infringes on First Amendment rights and due process, arguing that the power to label entities as terrorists should lie with federal authorities, not states.
