SENATE RESOLUTION

                                                    1994-8694

By Senators Pelz, Quigley, Moyer, Prentice, McAuliffe, Drew, Prince, Niemi, Skratek, Fraser, Wojahn, Williams, Franklin, Talmadge, Spanel, Rasmussen, Bauer, Vognild, Bluechel, A. Smith, Snyder, Moore, Rinehart and Sheldon

         WHEREAS, A home to live in, employment, and ordinary, everyday business transactions are not special rights but are among the basic and fundamental human rights of every person; and

         WHEREAS, The mosaic of our society as exemplified by the wide diversity of Washingtonians, does not harm us, and, in fact, makes us stronger; and

         WHEREAS, The Constitution of the United States, which we are sworn to uphold, seeks to "secure the blessings of liberty to us and our posterity;" and

         WHEREAS, The Constitution of the State of Washington, which we are also sworn to uphold, guarantees "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law," and that "No person shall be disturbed in his private affairs or his home invaded without the authority of law;" and

         WHEREAS, Our state and our Nation are built on the principals of tolerance and forbearance; and

         WHEREAS, We should strive to deal with others based on the content of their character, not inaccurate stereotypes and prejudices; and

         WHEREAS, Recent history shows us that the destructive Measure 9 campaign in Oregon tore apart the social fabric of our neighbor state to the south -- actions we do not want imported into our state; and

         WHEREAS, Initiatives 608 and 610 are the epitome of prejudice, fear, and discrimination against many of the people of Washington and constitute attacks on their basic human rights; and

         WHEREAS, In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere;"

         NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington goes on record against the divisive Initiatives 608 and 610, and the inhumane sentiments they represent; and

         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington stands firmly for basic dignity and fundamental human rights for all people.