house Resolution No.369
Reps. Aiyash and Camilleri offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The freedom of speech and the freedom to peaceably assemble are hallmarks of our First Amendment rights and founding principles of this country. Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963 reaffirms:
The people have the right peaceably to assemble, to consult for the common good, to instruct their representatives and to petition the government for redress of grievances.
; and
Whereas, It is a fundamental responsibility of people to exercise these rights without the intention to harm, intimidate, or harass others, and it is incumbent upon government and elected leaders to foster an environment free of hateful and threatening language that allows and encourages peaceful speech and peaceful redress of grievances; and
Whereas, In the aftermath of the November 3, 2020, election, attempts to intimidate and threaten public officials across the political divide have escalated amidst the most significant public health crisis in a century; and
Whereas, The freedom of speech and the freedom to peaceably assemble have too often been abused by individuals or groups with the intention to harm, intimidate, or harass. Their actions have threatened not only the safety of public officials but threatened the safety and endangered the welfare of their family members; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we unequivocally condemn all threats made against public officials and denounce all forms of intimidation and harassment as unacceptable; and be it further
Resolved, That we commit as a body of elected leaders to reduce tensions by ending divisive rhetoric and taking concerted actions to find common ground on the challenges facing the people of Michigan.