VERGENNES — At the urging of a number of city residents, the Vergennes City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution that affirmed the city’s commitment to the values of inclusion, tolerance and justice for all.
It read:
“RESOLUTION
Reaffirming the Vergennes City Council values of inclusion, respect, and justice.
WHEREAS, the phrase “We the People” encompasses every American from every background and every walk of life, and
WHEREAS, the United States was founded by immigrants, many fleeing true persecution, who enshrined the Bill of Rights as one of our nation’s fundamental legal and ethical principles, and
WHEREAS, the Vergennes City Council supports the rights of people in our nation to love whom they choose; to practice the religion of their choice; to support their families; to be free from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations; and to be safe and secure in their homes and communities, and
WHEREAS, the Vergennes City Council supports freedom of speech — the same freedom of speech that allows even the most offensive views to be expressed while also protecting the right to condemn those offensive views in the clearest and plainest language possible, all while done peacefully,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Vergennes City Council does hereby reject the message of all hate groups; declare that those who want to spread hatred, bigotry, and violence have no place in our city; and commit to ensuring that Vergennes remains an inclusive, respectful, and just city that is proud to support people of diverse cultures, faiths, beliefs, and identities, and to celebrate both our individuality and our commonality; a place where hate is not welcome.
Adopted this 22nd day of August, 2017.”