Bill Text: MI HR0074 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare April 2021 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 41-2)
Status: (Passed) 2021-03-25 - Adopted [HR0074 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0074-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.74
Reps. Puri, Camilleri, Steckloff, Morse, Aiyash, Rabhi, Sowerby, Hammoud, Manoogian, Young, Anthony, Koleszar, Bolden, Weiss, Sneller, Thanedar, Hood, Pohutsky, Peterson, Tyrone Carter, Haadsma, Hope, Ellison, Brixie, Neeley, Witwer, Brabec, Cherry, Garza, Stone, Lasinski, Kuppa, Hertel, O'Neal, Whitsett, Cambensy, Breen, Cavanagh, Rogers, Tisdel, Allor, Clemente and Shannon offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world today and is a monotheistic faith founded in the Punjab region of India approximately 500 years ago; and
Whereas, The Sikh religion is based on a belief in one God, universal equality, and basic values of truth, nonviolence, tolerance, and peace; and
Whereas, Most of the world’s 25 million Sikhs live in India, but more than 500,000 make the United States their home; and
Whereas, During the early 20th century, thousands of Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific & Eastern Railroad. Sikh Americans pursue diverse professions and make rich contributions to the social, cultural, and economic vibrancy of the United States, including contributions to our great nation in agriculture, information technology, small businesses, the hotel industry, trucking, medicine, and technology; and
Whereas, Michigan’s Sikh community endeavors to enhance understanding and respect among people of different religions by leading and participating in interfaith thanksgiving prayers at various places of worship and inviting various faith leaders and members of their congregations to gurdwaras; and
Whereas, Michigan stands with the Sikh community in denouncing hate crimes directed toward any individual based on their religious beliefs; and
Whereas, Since September 11, 2001, Sikhs are often mistaken for Taliban members or followers of Al Qaeda because of the commonality of their beards and turbans and are subjected to a disproportionately high rate of hate crimes; and
Whereas, The Sikh-American community continues to peacefully overcome attacks on its identity and practices, whether in the form of school harassment, employment discrimination, or fatal shootings, including the murders of six Sikhs during the Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Sikh Gurdwara shooting on August 5, 2012, and the shooting of a Sikh man that occurred in Kent, Washington, on March 3, 2017; and
Whereas, The faithful service of the Sikh-American community to this state merits appreciation as an integral thread in the fabric of American plurality; and
Whereas, Our nation and this state are enriched by the unparalleled diversity of our residents; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2021 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature recognizes and acknowledges the significant contributions made by Michiganders of Sikh heritage to our state and by adoption of this resolution, seeks to afford all Michiganders the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature condemns all hate crimes and bias incidents against Sikh Americans and encourages all Sikhs to practice their faith freely and fearlessly; and be it further
Resolved, That the Clerk transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution to the members of the Legislature, members of the Michigan Sikh American community, and other interested organizations or persons.
