TEXAS – Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday sparked major controversy after imposing a ban on two prominent Muslim organisations in the state — the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) — and designating both as “terrorist groups”.
Under the order, the individuals associated with the two organisations have also been barred from purchasing land anywhere in Texas. The directive was issued despite the fact that neither group is listed as a terrorist organisation by the US federal government, according to journalist Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada.
The decision has added to growing concerns among civil rights groups, who fear the step could set a dangerous precedent for religious discrimination in the state.
CAIR condemns Texas governor’s call to investigate ‘Sharia courts’, terms claims baseless
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has strongly criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s recent directive seeking investigations into alleged “Sharia courts” operating in the state, calling the claim an unfounded conspiracy theory.
In a detailed statement, the prominent Muslim civil rights organisation said the governor’s demand amounted to an unconstitutional attack on religious freedom, rooted in anti-Muslim conspiracy narratives.
CAIR noted that targeting Islamic tribunals would be equivalent to restricting Jewish or Catholic religious arbitration, which is protected under the First Amendment.
The organisation described the governor’s stance as a “direct assault” on the fundamental religious rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. It further accused Governor Abbott of “ignoring the First Amendment” and displaying hostility towards Texas Muslims, while simultaneously attempting to shield the Israeli government from criticism.
CAIR reiterated that the governor’s claims about Islamic tribunals in North Texas were baseless and warned that such rhetoric fuels Islamophobia and undermines civil liberties in the state.
