Resolution Information
RESOLUTION TEXT +-
Referred to: The Laws and Rules, Governmental Services Committee (Chairman
Roberts and Legislators Belfiglio, Donaldson, R. Parete and Rodriguez)
Legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky and Legislators Allen, Bartels, Delaune,
Donaldson, Greene, Heppner, Loughran, J. Parete and Rodriguez offer the following:
WHEREAS the United States was founded by immigrants, many fleeing
religious persecution, who enshrined freedom of religion as one of our nation’s
fundamental legal and ethical principles; and
WHEREAS, the history of Islam in the United States began even before its
founding when African Muslims were enslaved and brought to the Americas, where
they later helped in numerous ways to build this country, including sacrificing their
lives on the line in every major war from the Revolutionary War on; and
WHEREAS there are more than 3 million Muslims living in the United States
today, and approximately 1,522 living in the County of Ulster, making invaluable
contributions to our economy, our social and political life, and our culture; and
WHEREAS there has been an unprecedented backlash since 9/11 in the form
of hate crimes and employment discrimination toward Arab and Muslim Americans
and those perceived as Muslims; and
WHEREAS Arab and Muslim Americans, and those perceived as Muslims,
are frequently the targets of abusive and discriminatory police practices sanctioned
by the state including surveillance in their neighborhoods and places of worship; and
WHEREAS we are deeply saddened and outraged at the recent escalation of
hateful rhetoric against Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and all
people of color, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, gender identification, and
political views and we are particularly concerned to see political figures and elected
government officials leading this escalation and using it in order to gain power; and
WHEREAS in the face of extreme bigotry and violence, Muslim communities
and their leaders are using the language and teachings of Islam to promote peace and
justice and service, and their institutions are continuing to play an essential societal
role providing charitable and humanitarian services to those in need; and
WHEREAS we, as elected representatives of the people, have a special
responsibility not to stay silent in the face of hate violence and discrimination against
any of our constituents or countrymen; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature condemns all hateful speech and
violent action directed at any individual or group based on ethnicity, race,
religion, gender, gender identification, or political views Muslims, those perceived
to be Muslims, immigrants and people of color; and, be it further
RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature categorically rejects political
tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain power or influence; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature commits to pursuing a policy
agenda that affirms civil and human rights, and ensures that those targeted on the
basis of race, religion ethnicity, race, religion, gender, gender identification,
political views or immigration status can turn to government without fear of
recrimination, and, be it further
RESOLVED, the Ulster County Legislature reaffirms the value of a pluralistic
society, the beauty of a culture composed of multiple cultures, and the inalienable
right of every person to live and practice their faith without fear,
and moves its adoption.
ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: NOES:
Postponed in Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on October 18,
2016
Amendments Adopted in Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on
November 21, 2016
Postponed in Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on November 22,
2016
Passed Committee: Laws and Rules, Governmental Services on ______________.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
NONE
Current Text: PDF
Updated: January 28, 2019
Votes on this Resolution
yes no abstained no voteCommittee Vote to Postpone Resolution No. 425.1
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