Civil rights
are becoming even more under attack in the U.S.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis just issued an executive
order that is sparking concern among advocacy
organizations and legal experts across the U.S. It
targets the Council on American-Islamic Relations
(CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and
advocacy organization, labeling it a supposed
"foreign terrorist organization."
This
action mirrors a similar proclamation in November by
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which CAIR is challenging in
federal court. These are Islamophobic decisions made
without any basis in fact or reason.
For 30 years,
the non-profit CAIR has devoted itself to protecting
free speech, advancing civil liberties and justice, and
defending religious freedom. These are American
values, and this is work that is fully protected by the
First Amendment's right to freedom of expression.
Despite this,
DeSantis wrote in a social media post that: "Florida
agencies are hereby directed to undertake all lawful
measures to prevent unlawful activities by these
organizations, including denying privileges or resources
to anyone providing material support."
These
escalating right-wing attacks on charities and
non-profits should frighten all Americans. This is a
clear attempt to suppress civil rights and to smear
reputable non-profit organizations. Texas and Florida's
executive orders represent a betrayal of the First
Amendment and a misuse of political office and taxpayer
resources.
Both DeSantis and Abbott must
reverse their dangerous attempts to designate this civil
liberties group as a "foreign terrorist organization."
Sign the petition to speak out now!
From: Celeste S., Care2
Action Alerts <action...@care2.com>