AR7: Resolution Text

LRB-2210/1

MPG:wlj:wj

2015 - 2016 LEGISLATURE

2015 Assembly RESOLUTION 7

April 14, 2015 - Introduced by Representatives Jorgensen, Zamarripa, Spreitzer, Barca, Shankland, Hebl, Goyke, Hintz, Hesselbein, Genrich, Berceau, Subeck, Meyers, Wachs, Mason, Milroy, Sinicki, Johnson, Young, Ohnstad, Bowen, Considine, Billings, Barnes, Stuck, Sargent, Riemer, Pope, Kahl, Kolste, C. Taylor, Brostoff and Danou. Referred to Committee on Assembly Organization.

AR7,1,2 Relating to: reaffirming the Wisconsin Assembly's unwavering commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Wisconsin residents.

AR7,1,5 Whereas, recent passage of the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act by the State of Indiana has opened the door to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or religious beliefs; and

AR7,1,7 Whereas, this legislation has ignited tensions among Hoosiers and led some to feel as though they are being treated as second-class citizens; and

AR7,1,11 Whereas, Indiana's economy stands to suffer as a result of the state's purported "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," with businesses like Apple and Angie's List, organizations like the NCAA, and even other states like Connecticut strongly criticizing its passage; and

AR7,1,14 Whereas, the State of Indiana's self-styled "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" also jeopardizes Indiana taxpayers, with that state now potentially liable for discrimination lawsuits; and

AR7,2,3 Whereas, this thinly veiled discriminatory legislation lies in direct contradiction to the ideals of equality that all elected officials swear to uphold during their time of public service; and

AR7,2,5 Whereas, article I, section 18, of the Wisconsin Constitution already provides broad religious protections while upholding equality for all; and

AR7,2,8 Whereas, Wisconsin stands firmly in opposition to Indiana's "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" and will continue to take strides to ensure equality for all; now, therefore, be it

AR7,2,13 Resolved by the assembly, That Wisconsin leaders shall neither endorse nor approve any legislation or constitutional amendment that explicitly or implicitly allows for discrimination on the basis of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity; and, be it further

AR7,2,15 Resolved, That the Wisconsin Assembly hereby reaffirms its commitment to protecting the civil rights of all Wisconsinites and denounces bigotry and hatred.

AR7,2,16 (End)