A federal judge in Florida has rejected an emergency request by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to block the state’s designation of the Muslim civil rights organization as a domestic terrorist group, allowing the controversial designation to take effect November 5.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor denied CAIR’s request for an injunction, ruling that the organization had not demonstrated that it was likely to succeed on its constitutional claims at this preliminary stage.
The broader lawsuit challenging the designation will continue.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state Cabinet approved the designation on September 29 under House Bill 1471.
State officials have alleged that CAIR has ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. CAIR strongly denies the allegations.
The law restricts designated organizations from receiving certain government funding, contracts and institutional support. It also establishes penalties for knowingly providing material support to designated groups.
Following the ruling, CAIR-Florida announced it was suspending operations indefinitely, saying the designation made it impossible to continue its work.
The organization maintains that Florida’s actions violate constitutional protections of free speech and association.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for the state. CAIR’s attorneys have indicated plans to appeal.
The legal battle is expected to continue as the organization challenges Florida’s authority to impose the designation.
