Abbott’s Order Excludes Local CAIR Chapters
Governor Greg Abbott’s recent proclamation has stirred controversy by designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) a “foreign terrorist organization.” However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton contends this order does not extend to local CAIR chapters in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.
Legal Implications of Abbott’s Order
In a court filing on Monday, Paxton presented a 12-page response to a federal lawsuit initiated by these local CAIR branches. He argued that the governor’s proclamation specifically targets the national organization, differentiating it from its Texas chapters.
Key Arguments from the State
- Paxton states that the local chapters are distinct legal entities from the national CAIR organization.
- He emphasizes that the proclamation was aimed solely at the national group.
- The Attorney General asserts that the lawsuit lacks merit as no legal action has been taken against the local chapters.
Paxton remarked, “Radical Islamist terrorist groups are anti-American.” He called for decisive measures to prevent radical elements from influencing Texas.
Defense Against the Lawsuit
The Texas Attorney General’s response also invokes the principle of sovereign immunity. He cites the Eleventh Amendment as a basis for this protection against the lawsuit filed by CAIR’s local chapters.
As the legal proceedings continue, KERA News has reached out to the California chapters for their perspective on the situation and will provide updates as they become available.
