S.C.R. 8

1

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

28 requisite to fully participate in public institutions;
29 WHEREAS, over 20,000 members of the Muslim faith peacefully reside in the state of
30 Utah;
31 WHEREAS, confusion and in many cases unfounded fear exist among the general
32 citizenry as to the religious practices of the Muslim community in Utah;
33 WHEREAS, members of the Muslim community in Utah are peace-loving individuals
34 who do not subscribe to the views of religious fanaticism and espouse a public stand against
35 discrimination, prejudice, and violence perpetrated on other religions in any form, fashion, or
36 for any purpose;
37 WHEREAS, Utah has historically been settled by immigrants from various locations
38 around the world who are of different races and faiths seeking religious and social refuge
39 during times of domestic and international turmoil;
40 WHEREAS, Utah has a history of inclusive community and family involvement,
41 welcoming those of diverse backgrounds who help strengthen and fortify Utah's society;
42 WHEREAS, the free exercise of religion is recognized as a fundamental human right
43 acknowledged by all free societies;
44 WHEREAS, the First Amendment to the United States Constitution states, "Congress
45 shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
46 thereof; of abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people to
47 peaceably assemble . . . ";
48 WHEREAS, Article I, Section 4 of the Utah Constitution states, "The rights of
49 conscience shall never be infringed. The State shall make no law respecting an establishment
50 of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; . . . There shall be no union of Church and
51 State, nor shall any church dominate the State or interfere with its functions. No public money,
52 or property shall be appropriated for or applied to any religious worship, exercise or
53 instruction, or for the support of any ecclesiastical establishment."; and
54 WHEREAS, the Legislature of the state of Utah has expressed support through direct
55 legislation prohibiting, in practice, the discrimination and prejudice of distinct racial and
56 religious groups in Utah:
57 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
58 Governor concurring therein, recognize the fundamental rights of members of the Muslim

59 community in Utah to voluntarily and freely participate in open practice of their religion,
60 within known legal limits of religious expression, tolerance, civility, and dignity as
61 contemplated by this nation's founders.
62 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor affirm the
63 fundamental and constitutional rights of members of the Muslim community of Utah to enjoy
64 all the freedoms, privileges, and civil liberties afforded other ethnic and religious groups
65 residing in Utah without limitation, discrimination, or the directed practice of racial or religious
66 profiling.
67 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to each federal
68 public safety office in Utah, each state public safety office, the Islamic Society of Greater Salt
69 Lake, each of Utah's public schools, the Utah Association of Counties, and the Utah League of
70 Cities and Towns.




Legislative Review Note
as of 2-6-07 8:19 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel