S.R. 2

1

RESOLUTION AFFIRMING FUNDAMENTAL
2 RIGHTS OF MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF UTAH
3 2007 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Peter C. Knudson
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This resolution of the Senate affirms the fundamental and constitutional rights of
10 members of the Muslim community of Utah to enjoy all the freedoms, privileges, and
11 civil liberties afforded other ethnic and religious groups residing in Utah.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 . recognizes the fundamental rights of members of the Muslim community in Utah to
15 voluntarily and freely participate in open practice of their religion, within known
16 legal limits of religious expression, tolerance, civility, and dignity as contemplated
17 by this nation's founders; and
18 . affirms the rights of members of the Muslim community of Utah to enjoy all the
19 freedoms afforded other ethnic and religious groups residing in Utah without fear of
20 discrimination or profiling by any government entity.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
23
24 Be it resolved by the Senate of the state of Utah:
25 WHEREAS, a firm appreciation of the proper and lawful role of religious expression is
26 requisite to fully participate in public institutions;
27 WHEREAS, over 20,000 members of the Muslim faith peacefully reside in the state of

28 Utah;
29 WHEREAS, confusion and in many cases unfounded fear exist among the general
30 citizenry as to the religious practices of the Muslim community in Utah;
31 WHEREAS, members of the Muslim community in Utah are peace-loving individuals
32 who do not subscribe to the views of religious fanaticism and espouse a public stand against
33 discrimination, prejudice, and violence perpetrated on other religions in any form, fashion, or
34 for any purpose;
35 WHEREAS, Utah has historically been settled by immigrants from various locations
36 around the world who are of different races and faiths seeking religious and social refuge
37 during times of domestic and international turmoil;
38 WHEREAS, Utah has a history of inclusive community and family involvement,
39 welcoming those of diverse backgrounds who help strengthen and fortify Utah's society;
40 WHEREAS, the free exercise of religion is recognized as a fundamental human right
41 acknowledged by all free societies;
42 WHEREAS, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution states, "Congress
43 shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
44 thereof; of abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to
45 peaceably assemble . . . ";
46 WHEREAS, Article I, Section 4 of the Utah Constitution states, "The rights of
47 conscience shall never be infringed. The State shall make no law respecting an establishment
48 of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; . . . There shall be no union of Church and
49 State, nor shall any church dominate the State or interfere with its functions. No public money,
50 or property shall be appropriated for or applied to any religious worship, exercise or
51 instruction, or for the support of any ecclesiastical establishment."; and
52 WHEREAS, the Legislature of the state of Utah has expressed support through direct
53 legislation prohibiting, in practice, the discrimination and prejudice of distinct racial and
54 religious groups in Utah:
55 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the state of Utah
56 recognizes the fundamental rights of members of the Muslim community in Utah to voluntarily
57 and freely participate in open practice of their religion, within known legal limits of religious
58 expression, tolerance, civility, and dignity as contemplated by this nation's founders.

59 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the state of Utah affirms the
60 fundamental and constitutional rights of members of the Muslim community of Utah to enjoy
61 all the freedoms, privileges, and civil liberties afforded other ethnic and religious groups
62 residing in Utah without limitation, discrimination, or the directed practice of racial or religious
63 profiling.
64 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to each federal
65 public safety office in Utah, each state public safety office, each of Utah's public schools, the
66 Utah Association of Counties, and the Utah League of Cities and Towns.




Legislative Review Note
as of 1-5-07 4:25 PM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel