CAIR, a prominent Muslim civil rights group, has been designated a terrorist organization by the governors of Texas and Florida. The group is challenging the designations in court, arguing that they violate its rights to free speech, assembly, and due process.

Background

CAIR, which has chapters in over 20 states, has been accused by some conservatives of having ties to violent extremists. However, the group denies these allegations and says it condemns all acts of violence against civilians.

The designations by Texas and Florida are part of a larger trend of states taking a more active role in designating terrorist organizations. Some legal scholars have raised concerns that state governments may not have the same level of expertise or access to classified intelligence as the federal government, which could lead to inaccurate or unfair designations.

Implications

The designations could have significant implications for CAIR and its members. In Florida, a new law makes it a felony to knowingly provide material support to a designated terrorist organization, and allows the state to dissolve such groups in certain situations. CAIR’s Tampa-based affiliate could be forced to close if the law is upheld.

Some Muslims in Texas are already feeling the effects of the designation. Azfar Saeed, a former board president of the Islamic Center of Frisco, said that some mosques and Muslim groups are trying to distance themselves from CAIR to avoid potential legal trouble.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.