Approved by: Hampton Town Meeting
WHEREAS there is growing concern over the erosion and violation of America’s civil liberties under the USA Patriot Act and the Homeland Security act; and
WHEREAS American citizens are being detained and refused counsel by secret military tribunals; and
WHEREAS information about citizens has been gathered without court order; while access to public documents has been unlawfully limited; and
WHEREAS New England Town Meeting, since colonial days, has been the forum for expressing grievances:
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Hampton Town meeting affirms its strong opposition to terrorism but believes that efforts to end terrorism not be waged at the expense of the fundamental civil liberties, rights and freedoms of the people of the United States; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town of Hampton not initiate nor participate in any inquiry, investigation, surveillance or detention without probable cause; nor share intelligence information including library lending, book sales, medical records and financial records; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Hampton Town Meeting urges its representatives to repeal the unconstitutional provisions of the Patriot Act and the Homeland Security Act.