An Update From Arizona on SB1070
The message below went out on Monday, June 25, 2012 to Standing on the Side of Love supporters. You can sign-up for these emails here.
On Saturday night, thousands of us showed up at tent city in our Love shirts to speak out against the inhumane treatment of immigrants in our country, especially in Arizona.
All over the world, media has taken notice of our message of justice, human rights, and love. You can read about our presence in the Washington Post:
Today, as you might have heard, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on the constitutionality of Arizona’s SB1070. The court struck down several provisions of the law as unconstitutional. However, for now, the “show me papers” provision of the law, which will invariably lead to racial profiling and egregious civil right violations, remains in place.
“We never had faith in the Depart of Justice Supreme Court case,” says Puente, Arizona. “We have faith in our people. WE WILL NOT COMPLY!” Please watch this video:
While many of us who came to Phoenix will return to our daily lives, many of remain in Arizona in the struggle, and thousands of us have renewed our resolve to serve as moral voices and advocates for those who suffer under our nation’s broken immigration system. At a press conference in Phoenix today, UUA President Rev. Peter Morales joins our partners Puente Arizona NDLON and others in speaking out against the injustice that SB1070 represents. “Unitarian Universalists hold among our principles the affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of every person,” says Rev. Morales. “People of faith cannot rest easy as long as any part of SB1070 continues to strip the worth and dignity from migrants and their families.”
No matter what the courts decide on SB1070, it is the people of Arizona who will have the last word. And our voices will be heard in support of dignity and fundamental fairness.
“I didn’t know what it would look like, but last night seeing you with all the candles, in the heat, all together… that’s what love looks like,” said Carlos Garcia, Director of Puente Arizona, referring to Saturday’s tent city vigil. “The people from our community couldn’t believe, as people just kept coming and coming.”
As we all know, this fundamental struggle for human rights continues. As people of faith and conscience, we must continue our acts of solidarity, our local advocacy, and our steadfast service as voices for justice.
In faith,
Dan Furmansky
Campaign Manager
Standing on the Side of Love
