Suffolk NYCLU > News/Press > Sept 15, 2004; Bill of Rights Resolution

Suffolk BORDC Applauds First Suffolk County Bill of Rights Resolution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suffolk County, New York: The Suffolk Bill of Rights Defense Campaign (Suffolk BORDC) commends the Town Board of Huntington for passing a Bill of Rights Resolution.

The Bill of Rights Resolution, passed on Tuesday, September 14, 2004, opposes unconstitutional provisions of the PATRIOT Act, and affirms the Town’s commitment to uphold civil rights and civil liberties. The resolution also asks federal leaders to work to repeal the unconstitutional sections of the PATRIOT Act and pass legislation that aids in the protection of civil liberties and civil rights, such as the Security and Freedom Ensured Act (SAFE Act).

Bill of Rights Resolutions have passed across the nation, with the number currently standing at 352 communities and four states. In New York, resolutions have passed in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and Westchester County, among other locales. Huntington is the first community in Suffolk County to pass a resolution, and only the second on Long Island.

“We thank the Huntington Town Board for their patriotic stance on freedom,” said Charlotte Koons, coordinator of the Campaign. “The Board made the important point that the Constitution is a source of strength, and we hope the Suffolk County Legislature will soon make a similar statement.”

The resolution was sponsored and introduced by Supervisor Frank Petrone after the Suffolk Bill of Rights Defense Campaign met with Board Members, Town Staff and Town Attorneys, held letter writing campaigns and educational forums, and met with other New York public officials including Rep. Steve Israel and the offices of Sen. Charles Schumer and Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The Suffolk Bill of Rights Defense Campaign, an informal, non-partisan group, works to educate the Suffolk community on the importance of protecting the Bill of Rights in a post-9/11 world. Jared Feuer, Campaign Secretary said, “We could not be more pleased that Huntington has joined the nationwide movement to defend democracy and freedom in our local communities.”.

Click here to read the Resolution

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