VILLAGE OF YELLOW SPRINGS
Resolution #2003-48
Whereas, the Village of Yellow Springs has a long and distinguished history of respecting and protecting civil rights and civil liberties; and
Whereas, the Village of Yellow Springs is home to a diverse population, including non-citizens, whose contributions to the community are vital to its character and function; and
Whereas, the Village of Yellow Springs has with gratitude for their supreme sacrifice memorialized those in the Armed Forces who protected these same cherished rights and liberties; and
Whereas, the Village of Yellow Springs, motivated by commitment to the free exercise of fundamental democratic rights and liberties, as set forth by the constitutions and laws of the United States, the State of Ohio, and the village of Yellow Springs, has established by ordinance the Human Relations commission of the Village of Yellow Springs;
Whereas, several acts and orders recently enacted at the Federal level, including sections of the USA Patriot Act and several Executive Orders, now threaten these fundamental rights and liberties:
· Freedom of speech, religion, assembly and privacy;
· The rights to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings; and
· Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures,
All guaranteed by the Constitution of the State of Ohio, and the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL FOR THE VILLAGE OF YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO HEREBY RESOLVES THAT ACTING IN THE SPIRIT AND HISTORY OF OUR COMMUNITY DOES RESOLVE:
Section 1. Our United States Congressman and Senators be urged to actively work for the repeal of the parts of the Patriot Act and those Orders that violate fundamental rights and liberties as stated in the Constitutions of the state of Ohio and the United States.
Section 2. Village administration inform village Council of the enforcement of any provision of the Patriot Act and those Orders within Village incorporation limits or requiring the involvement of Village staff, so that council may meet and determine what action may be necessary by Council to preserve the rights of Village citizens.