Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed a resolution Monday that reaffirms state leader’s resolve to guard the civil liberties and freedoms of all Americans, including legal immigrants and refugees.
Herbert signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, surrounded by faith leaders and community members of all political persuasions. He says Utah is a welcoming state, but hurtful rhetoric continues.
“We need to see what we can do, all of us, to bring civility back to our comments and how we work with one another and get back to being good people,” Herbert says.
Republican State Senator Brian Shiozawa filed the non-binding resolution just after President Donald Trump enacted a controversial executive order on immigrants and refugees.
The move sparked nation-wide protests. A copy of the Utah resolution will be delivered to President Trump and other congressional leaders.
“Right now the nation is divided on this issue,” says Noor Ul-Hasan. She’s a local community activist and executive director of outreach for Utah Refugee Justice League.
“And it’s important for the president to know that Utah is not divided, that we’re going to stand up to what the constitution gives us in terms of rights,” Ul-Hasan says.
Democratic State Representative Patrice Arent co-sponsored the resolution. Arent, who is Jewish said she’s especially worried about the increase in threats to Jewish communities and institutions throughout the country.