Resolution in Support of the Inalienable Human Rights of Residents of the Muslim Faith and Celebrating the Contributions of Members of the Islamic Community

Resolution put forth by 4th District Commissioner Elaine B. Holtz. Resolution passed on June 28, 2016 with a 6-0-1 vote. One Commissioner abstained and two were absent.

Whereas, Sonoma County has established a Commission on Human Rights in recognition of its commitment to promote better human relations among all people in Sonoma County through education, advocacy, communication, and initiation of action that fosters the recognition of and appreciation for the diversity of our community; and

Whereas, Sonoma County is home to thousands of members of the Islamic faith among a diverse population with many ethnic backgrounds and a rich variety of religious traditions; and

Whereas, Sonoma County’s Islamic societies, organizations, places of worship, and communities enrich and benefit the spiritual, moral, and cultural life of our overall community; and

Whereas, county history includes episodes of injustice and harmful conduct based on ethnicity, race, and nationality, but also a prideful history of opposing bigotry and embracing all people of good conscience; and

Whereas, members of the Islamic community are threatened nationwide by a wave of Islamophobia, which includes hate crimes, intolerant speech, injustices, shunning, fear-mongering and other threats to safety, security and liberty; and

Whereas, more than 700 Sonoma County citizens have signed “Friendship Not Fear,” a letter in support of our respected neighbors, co-workers, citizens, and residents of the Islamic community; and

Whereas, like all members of the human family, all residents of Sonoma County are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and being endowed with reason and conscience should act towards one another in a spirit of caring brotherhood and sisterhood;

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Commission on Human Rights requests the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to hereby declare its commitment to fostering friendly relations with our Muslim neighbors, its recognition of the many contributions of our Muslim residents to the rich social, economic, and intellectual fabric of our County, and stands to oppose any expression of bigotry toward Muslims with the same full moral, legal, and practical force it provides all people in Sonoma County. To advance this goal, we declare and resolve that Sonoma County shall be Islamophobia-free.