CAIR Vows Lawsuit Against DeSantis Over 'Terrorist' Designation

CAIR's Response to DeSantis' Designation

• ⚖️ The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has promised to file a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
• 🚫 This action follows DeSantis' designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as "foreign terrorist organizations."
• 🗣️ CAIR leaders called the designation false, defamatory, and unconstitutional, stating the governor lacks the authority.

Legal Basis and Precedents

• 📜 Governor DeSantis issued a four-page executive order citing alleged material support to designated terrorist organizations by individuals associated with CAIR.
• 🏛️ CAIR argues that the governor does not have the capacity to designate any organization as a terrorist group.
• 🔗 The organization plans to mirror a lawsuit filed in Texas, where a similar order by Governor Abbott is being challenged.

Federal vs. State Authority

• 🇺🇸 CAIR points out that neither their organization nor the Muslim Brotherhood are on the official US Department of State list of terrorist organizations.
• 🌍 According to federal guidelines, foreign terrorist organizations are designated by the Secretary of State, not state governors.
• ❓ The lawsuit, while not yet filed, is in the works and aims to challenge the legality of DeSantis' executive order.

Accusations of Hate and Smear Campaign

• 💔 CAIR's Florida chapter stated that instead of focusing on pressing issues, Governor DeSantis is promoting hate.
• 📢 They assert they have an impeccable record of standing for justice and civil rights for all minorities.
• 📰 The designation is viewed by CAIR as a smear against their organization and a move they deem unlawful.