HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-039-03/25/2003-AFFIRMING THE CITYS OPPOSITION TO TERRORISM AND COMMITMENT TO CIVIL RIGHTS RESOLUTION 2003-039
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AFFIRMING THE CITY'S OPPOSITION TO TERRORISM
AND COMMITMENT TO CIVIL RIGHTS
WHEREAS,the United States Congress passed the USA Patriot Act(PL 107-56)on October
26, 2001, following the horrific attacks on America of September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins (the "City") denounces terrorism, and acknowledges
that federal, state and local governments have a responsibility to protect the public from terrorist
attacks; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that a legislative response to the terrorist attacks be rational,
deliberative and lawful, so as to ensure that any new security measures established by such
legislation enhance public safety without impairing constitutional rights or infringing upon civil
liberties; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act expand the authority of the federal
government to detain and investigate citizens and non-citizens and engage in electronic surveillance
of citizens and non-citizens; and
WHEREAS,the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution guarantees all people living
in the City of Fort Collins freedom of speech,assembly and privacy,equality before the law and the
presumption of innocence,access to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings,and protection
from unreasonable searches and seizures; and
WHEREAS, the preservation of civil rights and civil liberties is essential to the well-being
of any democracy; and
WHEREAS,this is particularly true during times of conflict when such rights and liberties,
especially those of immigrants and ethnic minorities, may be threatened, intentionally or
unintentionally, in the interest of national security or patriotic zeal; and
WHEREAS,law enforcement and security measures that undermine fundamental rights do
irreparable damage to the American institutions and the values of equal justice and freedom that the
residents of the City hold dear.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City supports the right of the government of the United States of
America to take rational,deliberate,and lawful actions against global terrorism, and also reaffirms
its commitment that such campaign not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties
of the people of the United States.
Section 2. That the City reaffirms its unwavering support for the fundamental,
constitutionally protected civil rights and liberties of all its residents and is firmly committed to the
protection of civil rights and civil liberties for all people.
Section 3. That the City opposes any legislative measures,whether local, state or federal,
which infringe upon such civil rights and liberties, or single out individuals for legal scrutiny or
enforcement activity based solely on their country of origin, religion, ethnicity or immigration
status.
Section 4. That the Fort Collins City Council shall communicate in writing to President
George Bush, Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Wayne Allard, and Representative Marilyn
Musgrave its desire that they work to repeal those provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and any
and all provisions of other federal legislation and executive orders that may be found to violate the
fundamental rights and liberties embodied in the United States Constitution.
Passed and adopted at an adjourned meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins held
this 25th day of March, A.D. 2003 with Councilmembers William Bertschy,Eric Hamrick, David
Roy, and Marty Tharp voting in favor of adoption and Councilmembers Kurt Kastein and Karen
Weitkunat, and Mayor Ray Martinez voting against adoption of the Resolution.
Mayor ;.
ATTEST:
City Clerk