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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1089
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A RESOLUTION condemning all acts of political violence and affirming the civil 1
and peaceful exercise of democracy. 2
WHEREAS, the principles of democracy and fundame ntal values of the 3
Commonwealth of Kentucky rely on the peaceful contest of ideas and the engagement in 4
productive civil discourse, and not the use of intimidation, violence, or assassination to 5
resolve differences; and 6
WHEREAS, the use of hateful speech p rojecting societal fault onto any individual 7
or group based on their race, religion, identity, or political beliefs creates a division 8
among people and cultivates an environment that allows and promotes violence; and 9
WHEREAS, this Senate reaffirms the comm itment to the principle that the 10
legitimacy of a democratic republic depends upon the free exercise of a representative 11
government and the ability for all citizens to participate without fear, intimidation or 12
coercion; and 13
WHEREAS, the rhetoric and acts of violence committed against groups or 14
individuals of differing ideologies or political parties are fueled by difference but share a 15
common danger that erodes democratic participation, silences debate, intimidates 16
individuals who are elected to serve, under mines the trust of the citizens, and threatens 17
the integrity of government; and 18
WHEREAS, acts of political violence have no place in the Commonwealth of 19
Kentucky, in the United States of America, or in any society that values freedom, justice, 20
and the peaceful exercise of democracy; and 21
WHEREAS, political violence is not just a threat to the life and liberty of our 22
elected officials, it is an attack on the right of all people to be represented; 23
NOW, THEREFORE, 24
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 25
Kentucky: 26
Section 1. The Senate condemns all forms of political violence and the use of 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1089
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speech that encourages hatred and violence against any individual or group based on their 1
race, religion, identity, or political beliefs and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the 2
safety, dignity, and respect for all elected officials and citizens of the Commonwealth. 3
Section 2. The Senate affirms that all political and ideological disputes shall be 4
resolved through lawful, peaceful, and democratic m eans, and pledges to cultivate a 5
culture of civil discourse. Further, the Senate recognizes that acts of political violence, 6
intimidation, and threats degrade the dignity, safety, and integrity of this august body and 7
all democratic institutions. 8