HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-16-0472City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution: R-16-0472
File Number: 1023
City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
Final Action Date: 10/13/2016
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION CONDEMNING HATE
SPEECH AND VIOLENCE DIRECTED AT MUSLIMS; EXPRESSING
SOLIDARITY WITH MUSLIMS AND ALL THOSE TARGETED FOR THEIR
ETHNICITY, RACE OR RELIGION; REAFFIRMING THE CITY OF MIAMI'S
COMMITMENT TO PURSUING POLICIES THAT AFFIRM CIVIL AND HUMAN
RIGHTS OF ALL INDIVIDUALS AND ENSURE THAT THOSE TARGETED ON
THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, OR IMMIGRATION STATUS CAN TURN TO
GOVERNMENT WITHOUT FEAR OF RETALIATION.
SPONSOR(S): Vice Chair Ken Russell
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 the American Muslim Democratic Caucus reports that as of 2014, there are
approximately 4,303 people who identify themselves as Muslims living in the City of
Miami ("City") and are amongst those making invaluable contributions to the City's
economy, social and political life, and 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, the City is saddened and outraged at the recent escalation of hateful
rhetoric against Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and all people of
color, and the City is 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, justice
City of Miami Page 1 of 2 File ID: 1023 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/4/2018
File ID: 1023 Enactment Number: R-16-0472
and service, and their institutions are continuing to play an essential societal role
providing charitable and humanitarian services to those in need; and
WHEREAS, the City's elected officials, as 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 BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution
are adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The Miami City Commission condemns all hateful speech and
violence directed at Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants and people of
color; categorically rejects political tactics that use fear to manipulate voters or to gain
power or influence; reaffirms the value of a culture composed of multiple cultures, and
the inalienable right of every person to live and practice their faith without fear; reaffirms
its commitment to pursuing policies that affirms civil and human rights to all individuals,
and ensures that those targeted on the basis of race, religion or immigration status can
turn to government without fear of retaliation.
Section 3. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption
and signature of the Mayor.'
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
I t,-Afr--v,� �1�
ria ' ndez, ity ttor ey 10/312016
If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten
calendar days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this
Resolution, it shall become effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City
Commission
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File ID: 1023 (Revision:) Printed on: 61412018