Illogical statement

"While slavery is illegal in Saudi Arabia despite Shaykh al-Fawzaan's fatwa, the proclamation carries weight among many Salafi Muslims. According to reformist jurist and author Khaled Abou El Fadl, it 'is particularly disturbing and dangerous because it effectively legitimates..."

If it's illegal then what is "despite" in reference to? What in the world is "particularly dangerous"???