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7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This joint resolution honors the Sikh community.
10 Highlighted Provisions:
11 This joint resolution:
12 ▸ highlights the history and significant contributions of the Sikh community; and
13 ▸ expresses support for the Sikh community in the state.
14 Special Clauses:
15 None
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17 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
18 WHEREAS, founded by Guru Nanak in 15th Century Punjab, India, the Sikh
19 monotheistic tradition teaches its adherents to practice the universal principles of truthful
20 living, service to humanity, and devotion to God;
21 WHEREAS, the Sikh community began immigrating to the United States in the late
22 1800s and has played an important role in developing this country and the State of Utah while
23 enriching American culture, history, economy, and diversity;
24 WHEREAS, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with more than 25 million
25 Sikhs worldwide, including more than one million in the United States;
26 WHEREAS, Sikh Americans distinguished themselves by fostering respect among all
27 people through faith and service;
28 WHEREAS, the religion's emphasis on loving service to humanity also inspires Sikhs
29 living in Utah to make lasting social contributions;
30 WHEREAS, the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, left the world and indicated to
31 the generations ahead to avoid idol worship and recognize the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the
32 principal scripture of Sikhism, as the "Living and Eternal Guru" of the Sikh religion;
33 WHEREAS, an essential part of Sikhism is langar, the practice of preparing and serving
34 a free meal to promote the Sikh tenet of seva, or selfless service;
35 WHEREAS, anyone, Sikh or not, can visit a gurdwara and partake in langar, with the
36 Darbar Sahib in Amristar serving more than 100,000 people every day;
37 WHEREAS, World Sikh Parliament, the governing body of the Sikhs, and Sikh
38 communities throughout the country have provided free meals, groceries, masks, hand
39 sanitizer, etc. to many communities and organizations during the pandemic;
40 WHEREAS, Utah recognizes the cultural, religious, and interfaith importance of Shri
41 Guru Granth Sahib Ji as "Living Guru" of Sikhs in promoting peace and declaring Sikhs as a
42 distinct ethnic and religious minority;
43 WHEREAS, although Sikhs have made immense contributions throughout history, they
44 have long faced oppression and discrimination throughout the rest of the world;
45 WHEREAS, according to the Sikh religion and history, Sikhs share a unique set of
46 beliefs and practices that are altogether different from other religions;
47 WHEREAS, the United Nations office of High Commissioner for Human Rights has
48 recognized Sikh Holy Scripture, Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, as a scripture meant to promote the
49 interfaith and inter-religious harmony, peace, and human rights;
50 WHEREAS, the state of Utah is committed to educating citizens about the world's
51 religions, the value of religious diversity, tolerance grounded in First Amendment principles, a
52 culture of mutual understanding, and the importance of reducing violence, all of which are
53 consistent with Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji's teachings; and
54 WHEREAS, the state of Utah seeks to further the diversity of its community and afford
55 all residents the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and
56 shared experiences of Sikhs to enforce laws for access to equal opportunity of humans,
57 irrespective of their caste, creed, color, or appearance:
58 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
59 recognizes and pays just tribute to the cultural heritage of the ethnic groups which comprise
60 and contribute to the richness and diversity of the community of the state of Utah.
61 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature recognizes and acknowledges the
62 significant contributions made by Utahns of Sikh heritage to our state.
63 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature encourages all Sikhs to practice
64 their faith freely and fearlessly.