The Council on American-Islamic Relations' (CAIR) Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin chapters asked a federal judge to strike down the declaration from the governor. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
"CAIR-Texas and the Texas Muslim community are standing up for our constitutional rights by directly confronting Greg Abbott’s lawless attack on our civil rights," CAIR-Texas said in a statement. "We are not and will not be intimidated by smear campaigns launched by Israel First politicians like Mr. Abbott. Mr. Abbott is defaming us and other American Muslims because we are effective advocates for justice here and abroad. We plan to continue exercising our constitutional rights, defending civil rights, and speaking truth to power, whether in defense of free speech, religious freedom and racial equality here in Texas or in defense of human rights abroad."
Abbott’s order extended the "terrorist" label to the Muslim Brotherhood, even though federal authorities have never classified either group that way.
The governor’s decree also bars CAIR from purchasing land in the Lone Star State under a new statute aimed at curbing purchases tied to "foreign adversaries."
CAIR accused the governor of relying on "inflammatory statements that have no basis in fact." (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
Earlier this year, Texas Republicans sought to stop a Muslim-centered planned community around one of the state’s largest mosques near Dallas.
Abbott and other Republican state officials opened investigations into the development linked to the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), claiming the group is attempting to create a Muslim-exclusive community that would implement Islamic law.
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EPIC City representatives called the attacks alleging Islamic law misleading, dangerous and without basis.
The U.S. Justice Department closed a federal civil rights investigation into the planned community without bringing any charges or lawsuits.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/muslim-civil-rights-group-cair-sues-texas-over-abbotts-terrorist-designation