Community Resolution for Lyme, CT

The Town of Lyme affirms its commitment to the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America and to the Declaration Rights of the Constitution of the State of Connecticut. The Town of Lyme deplores any erosion and violation of the rights and liberties of residents of the Town.

The Town of Lyme notes with growing concern that such erosion and violation is taking place under certain provisions of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act and other actions of the Federal Government in recent years and through certain administrative actions of the U. S. Department of Justice. In particular, the detention of persons without the bringing of legal charges; denial of detained persons' right to counsel; expansion of authority to conduct unregulated electronic surveillance of lawful activities; limiting access to public documents; expanded information gathering about persons without any demonstrated evidence of criminal behavior and without court order; the threat of secret military tribunals; and the unregulated ethnic profiling of individuals.

The Town of Lyme in town meeting convened, now therefore resolves that:

1. The Town of Lyme affirms its strong support for fundamental constitutional rights and opposition to measures that infringe on civil liberties.

2. Officials of the Town of Lyme are hereby urged not to cooperate or participate in actions which violate constitutionally guaranteed civil liberties.

3. The privacy rights and intellectual freedoms of its residents are affirmed and librarians, booksellers and other communications dealers are supported in protecting those rights.

4. The Town's concerns shall be communicated to state and federal representatives who shall be urged to work toward repeal of the unconstitutional provisions of the U.S.A. Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act.