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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, A devastating act of violence occurred at the Sikh
3Temple of Wisconsin on August 5, 2012, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin;
4and
 
5    WHEREAS, Members of the American Sikh community have a
6long-standing commitment to the United States, demonstrated by
7their record of military heroism, devotion to public service,
8and contribution to the economic activity and prosperity of
9this country; and
 
10    WHEREAS, This recent massacre in Wisconsin, a recent fire
11that destroyed a mosque in Joplin, Missouri, and the aftermath
12of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, have caused Sikhs,
13Muslims, South Asian Americans, Arab Americans, and other
14communities in the Midwest and the country at large to live
15under an unfair burden of vulnerability; and
 
16    WHEREAS, There has been a growth in rhetorical attacks,
17harassment, intimidation, bullying, and extreme violence
18against these communities; and
 
19    WHEREAS, A crime like this should be condemned, regardless
20of what ethnic or religious group is targeted; and
 

 

 

HR1193- 2 -LRB097 22422 GRL 71182 r

1    WHEREAS, In the United States and in Illinois, the
2principles of tolerance, religious freedom, trust, and safety
3are vital to the sense of community shared by all people; and
 
4    WHEREAS, The fundamental American values of justice and
5equality for all are vital foundations of who we are as a
6people, while xenophobia, racism, anti-religious rhetoric, and
7extreme violence have no place in our society; therefore, be it
 
8    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
9NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
10we encourage tolerance and the prevention of future violence by
11promoting education about diverse cultures and religions,
12grounded in the belief that this makes us strong as a community
13and a nation; and be it further
 
14    RESOLVED, That we are grateful to the first responders,
15congregants, and the local community in Wisconsin who helped to
16save lives and prevent even greater loss; and be it further
 
17    RESOLVED, That we denounce any and all hate-fueled violence
18and bigotry in public and political discourse and encourage
19civic engagement and participation among all Illinois
20residents, including immigrants and minorities.