City of Homer Resolution 17

A resolution of the city council of Homer, Alaska, stating that the City of Homer adheres to the principle of inclusion and herein committing this city to resisting efforts to divide this community with regard to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, national origin, physical capabilities, or sexual orientation regardless of the origin of those efforts, including from local, state or federal agencies.

Whereas, the City of Homer recognizes that American politics has become polarized, which has led to divisiveness in our community; and

Whereas, violent acts targeting religious groups, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ community have become more frequent in and outside of the United States; and

Whereas, before and especially since the election, some citizens on both extremes of the political spectrum have been emboldened to express overtly an intolerance of diversity that is opposed to the views of most homer residents and most americans; and

Whereas, the city of homer recognizes that our community is diverse in regards to religion, political ideologies, sexual identity or orientation, and ethnicity, and that no citizen should feel in any way threatened for their beliefs or physical appearance, and the city should be on record as opposing all intolerance towards those individuals.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city council of the city of homer unequivocally rejects expressions of fear and hate wherever they may exist, and specifically rejects harassment of women, immigrants, religious minorities, racial and ethnic minorities, and lgbtq individuals, and non-violent political groups.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer embraces all peoples regardless of skin color, country of birth, faith, sex, gender, marital status, political ideology, or abilities; and that the city of homer will not waver in its commitment to inclusion and to continuing to create a village safe for a diverse population.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer will resist any and all efforts to profile vulnerable populations.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer will cooperate with federal agencies in detaining undocumented immigrants when court-issued federal warrants are delivered.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer shall steadfastly defend the united states and alaska constitutions, especially with regard to the former’s precedent-backed right of privacy and the latter’s specified right of privacy (article 1, section 22), and safeguard the rights declared in the bill of rights.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer will continue its staunch support of our local police in their ongoing efforts to enforce law and protect our community and its visitors in a just, unbiased and transparent manner.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer will declare itself a safety net for the most vulnerable members of and visitors to our community.

Be it further resolved that the city of homer calls on all its citizens to stand against intolerance and resist expressions of hate toward any members of the community, and thus to set an example for the rest of the nation, demonstrating that homer residents and alaskans adhere to the principle of live-and-let-live.

Passed and adopted by the homer city council this 27th day of february, 2017.

City of homer

________________________

Bryan zak, mayor

Attest:

______________________________

Jo johnson, mmc, city clerk

Fiscal note: n/a