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Resolution to Repeal HB56 (Beason-Hammon Act)
Approved Unanimously by the AUUF Board of Trustees
July 17, 2011
Whereas the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity and compassion in human relations; the goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence;
Whereas the Mission Statement of the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship calls on its members to work for a safe and just world;
Whereas the Social Action Committee of the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship encourages members of the Fellowship and the larger community to “Stand on the Side of Love” in response to policies and practices of discrimination, oppression, and injustice;
Whereas, the Board of Trustees of the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship takes note of and expresses grave concern over House Bill 56, known as the Beason–HammonAlabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (Beason-Hammon Act); and
Whereas, the Beason-Hammon Act seeks to deal principally with undocumented immigrants and voter registration policy; and
Whereas, the Beason-Hammon Act lays out more than 26 misdemeanors punishable by fine when addressing very basic human needs; and
Whereas, among many things, the Beason-Hammon Act denies state and local public benefits such as basic health care, post secondary education, economic uplift, and shelter to a certain class of people. Here, we note also that the required reporting of children enrolled in secondary schools may lead to the very socially unintended consequences which the bill purports to address and it also damages the innocent who can not provide for themselves; and
Whereas, the history of civil rights violations, discrimination, racial profiling and abuse in the American South and elsewhere causes the Board to be alarmed and to express its concern, without hesitation, over the denial of opportunities for economic uplift and meeting basic human needs; and further finds the intention to interfere with shelter, medical care and education unconscionable and inconsistent with the basic principles of faith traditions, neighborliness, and the spirit upon which our country was founded; and
Whereas, the Board does acknowledge a need for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level that is realistic, just and humane;
NOW, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Board of Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship formally requests that the Beason–Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, be repealed at the next meeting of the State legislature.
--Adapted from the resolution unanimously approved by the Birmingham City Council, June 27, 2011
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