AR17: Resolution Text

LRB-3223/2

PJD:pjd:pjd

2005 - 2006 LEGISLATURE

2005 Assembly RESOLUTION 17

June 16, 2005 - Introduced by Representatives Molepske, Friske, Schneider and Vruwink. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AR17,1,4 Relating to: honoring Wisconsin's brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to their country in the name of freedom and liberty, and supporting their families, friends, and communities in honorable remembrance of their lives and service.

AR17,1,7 Whereas, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, thousands of Wisconsin men and women exhibited unselfish patriotism and enlisted in the United States Armed Forces; and

AR17,1,10 Whereas, since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 39 men and women from Wisconsin made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and democratic principles; and

AR17,1,13 Whereas, Wisconsin's fallen soldiers and the thousands of other military personnel serving in Iraq and other countries around the globe are genuine American heroes whose service should be revered and honored; and

AR17,2,3 Whereas, the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas has disrupted funerals of fallen military personnel under the belief that God is punishing the United States because it is a country that accepts homosexuality; and

AR17,2,5 Whereas, on June 15, 2005, the Westboro Baptist Church protested at the funeral of a fallen Idaho soldier; and

AR17,2,8 Whereas, during the protest they displayed signs stating, "God hates America, The faggots' home" and desecrated the United States flag by dragging it on the ground; and

AR17,2,11 Whereas, the Westboro Baptist Church recently sent notice to Wisconsin media outlets that they will protest outside the funeral of a fallen Wisconsin soldier; now, therefore, be it

AR17,2,16 Resolved by the assembly, That the Wisconsin assembly is forever grateful and proud of Wisconsin's brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to their country in the name of freedom and liberty, and supports their families, friends, and communities in honorable remembrance of their lives and service; and, be it further

AR17,2,21 Resolved, That the Wisconsin assembly respects the free speech rights of those who want to criticize our county but finds the interference with funerals of our fallen heroes a deplorable act, and strongly urges the members of the Westboro Baptist Church to allow our fallen troops to be honored with all the dignity and sanctity that they deserve for having given their lives for our country.

AR17,2,22 (End)