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Arizona Senate Advances Controversial CAIR Terror Designation

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

On March 16, 2026, the Arizona Senate advanced resolutions by Republican state Sen. John Gillette to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist organization.
Critics, including Martin Quezada (former Democratic lawmaker), say the resolutions lack legal grounding.
Quezada cited a Phoenix mosque attack to urge civil rights protections.
The measures passed along party lines, having no practical effect.
Sen. Mark Finchem defended the legislation.

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Story summary

On March 16, 2026, the Arizona Senate advanced resolutions by Republican state Sen. John Gillette to designate the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a terrorist organization.
Critics, including Martin Quezada (former Democratic lawmaker), say the resolutions lack legal grounding.
Quezada cited a Phoenix mosque attack to urge civil rights protections.
The measures passed along party lines, having no practical effect.
Sen. Mark Finchem defended the legislation.