WHEREAS, The United States Constitution is the supreme law of our nation, and this body has full confidence in its ability to endure all tests; and
     WHEREAS, Many immigrants came to our nation to escape government-sanctioned persecution of their faith; and
     WHEREAS, This body believes that any law which is designed to restrict the liberty of one faith tradition erodes the founding principle of religious liberty and that it is, as James Madison wrote in 1785, proper to "take alarm" at any such "experiment on our liberties"; and
     WHEREAS, Our state has a history of embracing individuals' right to practice the faith tradition of their choice within the law and free of government interference; and
     WHEREAS, A multiplicity of religious beliefs, traditions, and heritages bring strength to our state; and
     WHEREAS, This body believes that it is not the role of the legislature of Washington State to disparage or marginalize any religious tradition; and
     WHEREAS, This body finds abhorrent all forms of discrimination, including those forms of discrimination targeting religion or belief; and
     WHEREAS, Our state benefits from a number of individuals and institutions whose faith motivates them to provide food to the hungry, shelter to the needy, inexpensive or free health services, and other humanitarian services; and
     WHEREAS, Religious leaders who facilitate conflict resolution often achieve results that ease the burdens on our courts;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Washington State Senate, that diverse religious beliefs, traditions, and heritages are welcome in Washington, and that this body has full confidence in the United States Constitution and the laws of the state of Washington and does not entertain concern that religious practices, beliefs, or laws offer a threat to the law of our land.