In a 6 to 1 vote, the Grand Rapids City Commission passed a resolution opposing the USA PATRIOT Act. The resolution was the result of a campaign by Citizens for a Safe and Free Grand Rapids. In passing this resolution, Grand Rapids joins 278 other communities who have passed resolutions opposing the USA PATRIOT Act.
Among the key provisions of the resolution:
- “The Grand Rapids City Commission opposes the use of any laws, including the USA PATRIOT ACT or the enforcement of those laws, that infringe upon the rights of any persons, including the right of peaceable assembly, freedom of speech, religion and political advocacy.”
- “The City Commission condemns discrimination or harassment against persons who are Arab American, Muslim Americans and Americans from South Asia”
- “The Grand Rapids City Commission urges Congress not to re-authorize those sections of the USA PATRIOT ACT which expire in 2005.”
In addition, a copy of the resolution will be sent to President George W. Bush, Attorney General John Ashcroft, United States Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Vern Ehlers.
Additional Resources:
- Text of the Anti-PATRIOT Act Resolution
- List of Sources with Detailed Information on the USA PATRIOT Act
Related posts:
- Montana State Legislature Passes Anti-PATRIOT Act Resolution
- Anti-PATRIOT Act Resolution to be voted on by City Commission
- Anti USA PATRIOT Act Campaign in Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids Representative Vern Ehlers Votes to Extend USA PATRIOT Act
- City Commission in Grand Rapids Unanimously Passes Resolution Opposing the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (MCRI)
