Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1471 into law on Monday, barring Florida courts from applying foreign or religious laws—including Sharia law—when doing so would violate constitutional rights. The legislation also grants the state authority to designate and defund groups deemed domestic or foreign terrorist organizations.
Key Provisions of the Law
- Court Restrictions: Florida courts cannot apply foreign or religious laws if they conflict with constitutional rights.
- Terrorist Designations: A senior official at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement can recommend designating groups as terrorist organizations, requiring approval from the governor and three Cabinet members.
- University Expulsions: Public universities must expel students who support designated terrorist groups and report visa-holding students to federal immigration authorities.
Background and Context
The law follows DeSantis' December 2023 executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations. A federal court temporarily blocked that order in March 2024 after legal challenges.
Reactions and Criticism
- Civil Liberties Concerns: The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Florida (CAIR) called the law "draconian," arguing it threatens free speech, religious freedom, and due process. The group also raised concerns about the governor's office reportedly drafting the legislation.
- Free Speech Advocates: PEN America warned the law's vague language could chill education and target student protesters.
- Governor's Defense: DeSantis stated the law would protect Floridians, their tax dollars, and prevent "things that should not be happening in the United States."
Legal and Policy Implications
The law expands Florida's authority to dissolve designated groups and cut off state funding. Universities will be required to report expelled students on visas to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Federal Context
In December 2023, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the State and Treasury departments to assess whether certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. The U.S. Treasury later designated the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.