US Muslim groups under threat as governors declare them 'terrorist organizations'
The designation of two prominent Muslim civil rights organizations as "terrorist groups" by Republican governors has sparked warnings from leaders that the move could embolden anti-Muslim hate and infringe on free speech.
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), called on conservatives to take the threat seriously, citing the potential for Democrats to reciprocate with similar designations against Republican groups. "If any governor can get away with abusing that kind of power, then no organization is safe," he said.
The orders, issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, restrict land purchases and state contracts for the organizations and authorize authorities to shut them down. CAIR has denounced the designations as "unconstitutional and defamatory" with no basis in law or fact.
Cair's director, Nihad Awad, was included on a hit list by Isis after 2016, highlighting the real-life consequences of labeling Muslim groups as terrorist organizations. Mitchell dismissed the proclamations as publicity stunts aimed at smearing CAIR and satisfying Israel-first lobbyists.
The move has been compared to the era of anti-NAACP attacks in the 1950s and '60s, with Mitchell drawing a clear historical parallel between the targeting of Muslim groups today and those faced by Black civil rights organizations decades ago. "It is very evident to us that pro-Israel lobby groups and anti-Muslim hate groups are deliberately stirring up anti-Muslim hysteria," he said.
CAIR has documented a surge in anti-Muslim hate incidents since 2021, with reports of discrimination, verbal harassment, vandalism, and violent attacks on Muslim individuals and organizations. Mitchell warned that the escalation of anti-Muslim rhetoric this year is "dramatically worse" than last year's levels.
The designation of two prominent Muslim civil rights organizations as "terrorist groups" by Republican governors has sparked warnings from leaders that the move could embolden anti-Muslim hate and infringe on free speech.
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), called on conservatives to take the threat seriously, citing the potential for Democrats to reciprocate with similar designations against Republican groups. "If any governor can get away with abusing that kind of power, then no organization is safe," he said.
The orders, issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, restrict land purchases and state contracts for the organizations and authorize authorities to shut them down. CAIR has denounced the designations as "unconstitutional and defamatory" with no basis in law or fact.
Cair's director, Nihad Awad, was included on a hit list by Isis after 2016, highlighting the real-life consequences of labeling Muslim groups as terrorist organizations. Mitchell dismissed the proclamations as publicity stunts aimed at smearing CAIR and satisfying Israel-first lobbyists.
The move has been compared to the era of anti-NAACP attacks in the 1950s and '60s, with Mitchell drawing a clear historical parallel between the targeting of Muslim groups today and those faced by Black civil rights organizations decades ago. "It is very evident to us that pro-Israel lobby groups and anti-Muslim hate groups are deliberately stirring up anti-Muslim hysteria," he said.
CAIR has documented a surge in anti-Muslim hate incidents since 2021, with reports of discrimination, verbal harassment, vandalism, and violent attacks on Muslim individuals and organizations. Mitchell warned that the escalation of anti-Muslim rhetoric this year is "dramatically worse" than last year's levels.
, this is so messed up! 
I mean, I get it, we need to stay vigilant against terrorism, but labeling entire Muslim groups as 'terrorist organizations' is just not right 
. It's like, think about all the innocent people who are just trying to live their lives and practice their faith in peace 
. CAIR has been doing amazing work for years, promoting understanding and inclusion, and now they're being targeted by governors who want to stir up hatred 
.
. We need to stand together as a society and reject this kind of divisive rhetoric 
. I just wish our leaders would focus on creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone 
, rather than playing politics with people's lives 
.
My typography skills are feeling a bit blocked out by all the hate speech in the news today 
. Time for a design detox! 
, can't believe these governors are trying to bully Muslim groups into silence. Designating them as "terrorist organizations" is just a huge overreach 
. I mean, what's next? Labeling vegan activists and animal shelters as extremist groups? 
It's just another example of how politicians think they can control people's speech and actions with their fancy laws and orders. Newsflash: it's not gonna work! The more they try to stifle free speech, the more we'll speak out against them 
. And btw, what's wrong with being pro-Israel? 
It's okay to show support for Israel without labeling Muslim groups as terrorists... that's just common sense 
.
It's like they're trying to distract us from the real issues. And CAIR getting labeled as a "terrorist group"? That's rich 
. Like we need more proof that some people can't tell the difference between a good faith criticism and actual terrorism 
️. This is just gonna fuel more hate and division, and honestly, it's kinda sad 
.
But at the same time, I guess it's kinda true that if any gov can do something like this, then no one's really safe from being targeted... 
And honestly, I'm not sure what's more concerning: the fact that these groups are getting labeled as terrorists or the fact that there's already a surge in anti-Muslim hate incidents... 
it's so lit! I was talking to someone about it earlier and they were saying how the special effects are insane, like, whoa! 
anyone got any tips on how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich?
. That's not only unconstitutional but also perpetuates the exact kind of fear-mongering that Isis and other terrorist groups use to recruit people 
. And let's be real, this move is mostly about pleasing Israel-first lobbyists and smearing organizations that speak out against injustice.
. We can't just sit back and let our leaders spread hate and intolerance without speaking up 
It's not about being PC, it's about protecting people's rights...
. I can imagine how hard it must be for them to deal with this kind of stress and fear. My friends who are Muslim in school seem really shaken by this news 
. This is like, soooo not cool 
i remember when we had issues with racism at school and how hard it was to deal with. its the same thing here but with islamophobia. we need to stand up for our rights and speak out against this kind of hate speech. 
. The fact that CAIR is getting threatened and intimidated by these governors just shows how ridiculous this whole thing is 
. It's like they're trying to get everyone worked up so they can further their own agenda... meanwhile, CAIR is just over here trying to do some actual good work 
. Let's not forget the history books (or in this case, the 1950s & '60s NAACP era) and how we ended up here today 
. what's next? gonna label vegans as "terrorist farmers" or something? 
. Those governors are just trying to keep us safe from the radical elements that infiltrate those orgs 
. I don't think they're abusing their power at all 
. CAIR's just trying to spin it as some kind of hate crime, but let's be real, they've got a lot to hide 
... these governors think they're just being all tough with their 'terrorist organization' labels, but honestly it's just gonna fuel more hate 
. We can't let politicians like Abbott and DeSantis bully Muslim groups into submission 
... it's time for some real solutions, not just more empty threats 
these governors r taking it too far by labeling these orgs as terrorist groups, its like they think all muslim ppl r terrorists lol no one should be judged based on their faith or orginization 
.
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Nihad Awad should be super safe right now.