Texas Leaders Demand Repeal of CAIR’s “Terrorist” Label

A coalition of Muslim and interfaith leaders is urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to retract his declaration that designates the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This designation, important to note, operates solely at the state level and lacks the legal weight of the federal Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list, which is managed by the U.S. Department of State. So, the governor’s action doesn’t impose federal terrorism penalties or grant any federal authorities special powers over CAIR.

During a press conference on Tuesday, representatives from several Muslim organizations condemned the governor’s comments that described CAIR as a “transnational criminal organization.” They are asking him to retract what they describe as a misleading and harmful label affecting civil rights groups.

In a significant move, CAIR has also filed a lawsuit against Texas, claiming the governor’s proclamation violates both state law and the U.S. Constitution. They contend that Abbott’s order infringes on First Amendment rights and due process, asserting that determining terrorist designations is a responsibility reserved for the federal government.

“The governor is trying to penalize the biggest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group simply because it exercises the First Amendment right to criticize a nation committing genocide. This not only goes against the U.S. Constitution but also lacks any backing in Texas law,” stated Mustafa Carroll, executive director of CAIR Dallas-Fort Worth, at the press conference.

Marium Uddin from the Islamic Legal Defense Fund added, “CAIR has condemned Hamas. It has spent three decades fighting both terrorism and bigotry. The term ‘terrorism,’ as you’re using it, is just a strategy to foster fear among Muslims.”

Other leaders from different faiths, including members of the Jewish community, have echoed this sentiment. Deborah Arminter from Jewish Voice for Peace expressed support for CAIR, saying, “We stand with our CAIR partners and firmly back their lawsuit against Mr. Abbott’s inaccurate and unconstitutional announcement.”

Democratic state Representative Terry Meza emphasized the seriousness of the governor’s remarks, labeling them as not just wrong but also dangerous for the Muslim community.

The situation remains fluid, and the outcome of CAIR’s legal challenge is uncertain. The court might either uphold Abbott’s declaration or dismiss it as an overreach of state authority. Meanwhile, the governor’s order also prohibits certain activities for CAIR and extends the “terrorist” designation to the Muslim Brotherhood, despite the fact that neither organization carries that classification from the federal government.