TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUING REINFORCEMENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTIONS OF ALL PEOPLE

WHEREAS, the United States Bill of Rights and the Constitution of the State of Michigan protect freedom of speech, religion, assembly, privacy, the right to counsel and due process in judicial proceedings, and the protection from unreasonable searches and seizures for all persons; and

WHEREAS, concern has been raised that provisions of the U.S. Patriot Act and regulations promulgated there under threaten such protection and grant authorization for discriminatory treatment; and

WHEREAS, the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners has a proud tradition of supporting the protection of civil rights and liberties of all people; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the civil rights and liberties for all people regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, etc.; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners opposes the use of any laws, including the US Patriot Act, or the enforcement of those laws, that infringe upon the rights of any person, including the right of peaceable assembly, freedom of speech, religion and political activity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners urges Congress to perform due diligence in upholding such protections as it deliberates re-authorization of sunset provisions in the United States Patriot Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be duly signed and transmitted to all locally elected Federal and State officers as evidence of this desire.