CAIR Florida to sue after DeSantis designates group a terrorist group

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The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) says it plans to take Gov. Ron DeSantis to courtroom after the Republican governor issued an government order labeling the Muslim civil rights group a "international terrorist group."

Hiba Rahim, the chapter’s deputy government director, mentioned throughout a information convention that the order was an assault rooted in conspiracy theories and in contrast it to historic efforts that focused Jewish, Irish and Italian American communities.

"We're very proud to defend the founding rules of our Structure, to defend free speech," Rahim mentioned at a information convention. "We're proud to defend democracy, and we're proud to be America first."

Rahim argued that the governor’s help for Israel performed a task within the order, saying the group’s activism had triggered "discomfort" to the U.S. ally. She mentioned CAIR doesn't intend to again down.

FLORIDA DESIGNATES MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD AND CAIR AS FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS, DESANTIS SAYS

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis labeled CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as "international terrorist organizations." (AP Photograph/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

Governor DeSantis, in the meantime, defended the transfer, saying his administration had enough grounds for the designation. Chatting with reporters Tuesday, he mentioned he welcomed CAIR’s authorized problem and described the designation as "a very long time coming."

DeSantis’ order additionally lists the Muslim Brotherhood as a "international terrorist" group. Final month, President Donald Trump issued an government order to start a federal course of to think about designating sure chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as a international terrorist group.

The governor mentioned he expects Florida lawmakers to pursue associated laws when the legislature reconvenes in January, calling the chief order "the start."

TRUMP SIGNALS PLAN TO DESIGNATE MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis mentioned he welcomes CAIR's lawsuit. (Joe Raedle/Getty Photos)

Beneath DeSantis’ directive, state companies are barred from awarding contracts, employment or funds to CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any teams deemed to have materially supported them.

On the Tampa information convention, legal professional Miranda Margolis criticized the order and argued DeSantis had exceeded his authority by unilaterally designating a nonprofit as a terrorist group.

"This designation is with out authorized or factual foundation and constitutes a harmful escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric," Margolis mentioned.

Florida’s motion comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued the same proclamation. CAIR has challenged Abbott’s designation in federal courtroom, arguing it violates the U.S. Structure and Texas regulation. Muslim and interfaith organizations have urged Abbott to rescind the order.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation designating CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as "international terrorist organizations." (Getty Photos)

State-level designations don't carry the identical authorized weight as federal International Terrorist Group classifications, which may solely be issued by the U.S. State Division.

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CAIR argues the Florida order violates its First Modification rights and due-process protections and that terrorism designations fall below federal jurisdiction, not state energy.