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The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) says it plans to take on GOV. Ron Desantis in court after the Republican Governor labeled the Muslim Civil Ency Organization a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.”
Hiba Rahim, Deputy Executive Director of the Chapter, said during a press conference that the order was an attack on conspiracy theories and compared it to historical efforts that focused on Jewish, Irish and Italian American efforts.
“We are very proud to protect the founding principles of our Constitution, to protect free speech,” Rahim said at a news conference. “We are proud to defend democracy, and we are proud to be America first.”
Rahim argued that the governor’s support for Israel played a role in his succession, meaning he would work in a group and create “discomfort” in the US ally. He said Cair has no intention of going back.
Florida designates the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as international terrorist organizations, Desantis said
Florida Gov. Desantis has labeled Cair and the Muslim Brotherhood “international terrorist organizations.” (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)
Rhuluko Desantis, meanwhile, defended the move, saying that his administration has enough reasons for the formation. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, he said he welcomed Cair’s legal challenge and described the call as “a long time coming.”
Desantis’ order also lists the Muslim Brotherhood as a “foreign terrorist” organization. Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to begin the process of the agency deeming certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization.
The governor said he expects Florida lawmakers to adopt related legislation when the legislature reconvenes in January, calling the executive order “early on.”
Trump Signals Plan to Declare Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization
Florida Gov. Ron Desantis said he accepted Cair’s case. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Under Desantis’ Directive, state agencies are prohibited from offering contracts, employment or money to the Chair, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any groups deemed to support it.
At the Tampa News conference, attorney Miranda Margolis criticized the order and argued that Desantis exceeded its authority by introducing its powers through a non-profit organization as a terrorist organization.
“This appointment has no legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous expansion of the anti-Muslim Cosetoric politics,” said Margolis.
Florida’s action comes after Texas Gov. Abbott issued a similar announcement. Cair challenged Abbott’s appointment in Federal Court, arguing it violated the US constitution and Texas law. Muslim and religious organizations urged Abbott to withdraw the order.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the designation of Cairo and the Muslim Brotherhood as “international terrorist organizations.” (Pet Pictures)
State-level designations do not carry the same legal weight as foreign terrorist organization designations, which can only be issued by the US State Department.
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Cair says the Florida Order violates his First Amendment rights and due process protections and that terrorism enforcement falls under federal, not state, jurisdiction.
The accompanying device contributed to this report.
