Interfaith leaders condemn Gov. Abbott’s proclamation labeling CAIR, Muslim Legal Fund as 'foreign terrorist organizations'

RICHARDSON, Texas — Interfaith leaders, civil rights groups and Muslim community members gathered Tuesday to speak out against Governor Greg Abbott’s recent proclamation designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations ( CAIR) and the Muslim Legal Fund of America as foreign terrorist organizations.

Their message was clear; the designation is harmful, unlawful and rooted in claims they say have no basis in Texas law.

The event opened with remarks from community members who said the governor’s proclamation has instilled fear, stigmatized Muslim Texans, and made civic participation harder.

CAIR-DFW and the Muslim Legal Fund of America stood alongside interfaith leaders as they announced a lawsuit challenging Abbott’s action.

Mustafaa Carroll, the executive director of CAIR’s Dallas