Res 1230-2016

By Council Members Miller, Wills, Lander, Menchaca, Levine, Barron, Richards, Cornegy, Palma, Dickens, Greenfield, Chin, Constantinides, Levin, Gibson, Rosenthal, Reynoso, Torres, Koslowitz, Grodenchik, Rodriguez, Koo, King, Cumbo, Williams, Treyger, Lancman, Espinal, Ferreras-Copeland, Rose, Van Bramer, Mendez and Kallos Whereas, Muslims are part of our society and, inspired by their faith and dedication to American ideals, give back every day as military personnel, police officers, doctors, nurses, caregivers, teachers, students, and in many other roles contributing to the success of the United States and the City of New York; and Whereas, Our nation's founding documents emphasize the freedom of religion and a society that embraces religious pluralism; and Whereas, The City of New York values the many different cultures, religions and traditions that our residents embrace; and Whereas, The City of New York continues to work toward a more inclusive society and welcomes cultural, ethnic and religious diversity; and Whereas, Muslims, both native born and immigrant, represent an increasingly important thread in the tapestry of American society; and Whereas, Throughout history, the U.S. has welcomed wave after wave of immigrants and refugees who add enormous value to the economic and cultural life of our nation; and Whereas, Presently, anti-Muslim, Islamophobic rhetoric has increased in the national discourse and rates of hate violence targeting Muslim families and children are at record highs across our nation, which is detrimental to all people who cherish freedom and liberty; and Whereas, Some of the darkest moments in our nation and our City's history have emerged from similar climates of fear; and Whereas, Hateful rhetoric only enables extremist ideologies to flourish in the dark corners of global society; and Whereas, The City of New York finds anti-Muslim, Islamophobic rhetoric and hate violence to be against American principles of religious freedom and fairness and contrary to the vision we hold as a nation that welcomes all people; and Whereas, All of New York City's residents deserve to live in a safe environment free of hate and discrimination; and Whereas, The City of New York wishes to extend the traditional Islamic greeting of Al Salam Alaikum (peace be upon you) to all of its Muslim residents and visitors; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares support for Muslim communities, affirms the religious pluralism of the United States, and urges all residents to stand together for peace and understanding. LS #8733 8/23/2016 CGR 2 4