The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) and San Marcos Palestine Solidarity (SMTX-PS) today condemned the political pressure and retaliatory financial threat that Governor Greg Abbott’s office put on San Marcos City Council to influence its decision on the resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian aid, cessation of support for international law violations, and releasing all hostages.
The non-binding resolution, which called for a peaceful end to hostilities and for the U.S. to halt weapons transfers to the far-right Israeli government committing ongoing genocide in Gaza, failed to pass on May 6th citizens’ comment and voting session. That came after the city council received a public warning from Governor Greg Abbott that the State of Texas could withhold funding from San Marcos under the state’s controversial anti-Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) law.
“We are deeply disturbed that state leaders would threaten to financially punish a local city council for considering a resolution that aligns with international human rights norms and condemns Islamophobia, antisemitism, and xenophobia,” said Shaimaa Zayan, Operations Manager of CAIR-Austin. “The people of San Marcos — and all Texans — have a right to engage in democratic processes without fear of retaliation. This Anti-BDS law infringes on protected free speech and has a chilling effect on civic engagement. It is disheartening that the governor would choose to cut funding to his own constituents rather than cut funding to a foreign government committing war crimes.”
“The failure of the resolution in San Marcos, despite strong public turnout and testimony in support, highlights the growing divide between public sentiment and political leadership on issues related to U.S. military aid to Israel. We will continue organizing and calling for justice, accountability, and an end to the bloodshed,” said SMTX-PS organizers.
CAIR-Austin, last week, urged San Marcos Council Members to Pass the Resolution and commended the city council members who supported it.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
END
CONTACT: Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager, 512-785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org, Palestine Solidarity SMTX, sanmarcosforpalestine@gmail.com