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ACHADJIAN INTRODUCES RETURN OF CHURCHES BILL IN CALIF. ASSEMBLY
asbarez
Monday, April 9th, 2012
SACRAMENTO-The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
welcomed the introduction of Assembly Joint Resolution 34 (AJR 34)
introduced by California Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian (R-33). The
resolution calls on the Republic of Turkey to respect religious
freedom and return church properties to its minority communities.
"I believe that this resolution is an important step in a long
journey," said Achadjian. "Religious tolerance and freedoms are
fundamental pillars of modern society. This resolution will urge
the Republic of Turkey to end religious discrimination and return
confiscated church properties back to their rightful owners."
The resolution encourages the Republic of Turkey to ensure that
its minorities and indigenous peoples can freely practice their
religion and maintain their communities. It draws attention to the
thousands of properties that have been confiscated and, in many cases,
destroyed. Much of this occurred during and in the years following
the Armenian Genocide. Many within the Armenian American community in
California and the United States are the descendants of parishioners
from churches that are currently off-limits to the remaining Armenian
community of Turkey.
"California is home to many survivors of the Armenian Genocide and
we must address the contemporary consequences of this crime against
humanity," said Armen Garabedian, chairman of the ANCA-WR's California
State Affairs committee. "While we continue to fight against the final
stage of genocide which is its denial, it is also important to take
concrete steps towards justice so that we send a clear message that
perpetrators cannot profit from the crime."
In June 2011, the United States House of Representatives introduced
a similar resolution, House Resolution 306. The following month, an
amendment to a State Department Authorization Bill, which included the
same core text of H.Res.306, originally sponsored by Ed Royce (D-CA),
passed by an overwhelming 43-1 in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The amendment received broad bi-partisan support including supporting
votes from many members of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and
Turkish Americans, including one of its co-chairs, who served in the
committee. That vote paved the way for the successful adoption of the
resolution by the full U.S. House of Representatives in December 2011.
"As a country founded on the principles of religious freedom,
the United States and California can take another step in honoring
that tradition by passing this resolution," noted Raffi Kassabian,
a member of the ANCA-WR's Board of Directors. "The passage of this
resolution helps ensure that religious freedom is respected in free
and democratic societies, especially by countries which claim to be
our allies and partners."
Those interested in learning more about the resolution and
participating in the community's commemoration activities in the
State Capitol should contact the ANCA-WR at (818) 500-1918.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.
Special Message: On May 20, the 2012 ANCA Telethon will bring
thousands of people together from coast to coast in support of the
educational, charitable, and civic involvement programs of the ANCA
Endowment Fund. Be a part of the excitement! To learn more, visit
www.ancatelethon.org
asbarez
Monday, April 9th, 2012
SACRAMENTO-The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
welcomed the introduction of Assembly Joint Resolution 34 (AJR 34)
introduced by California Assembly Member Katcho Achadjian (R-33). The
resolution calls on the Republic of Turkey to respect religious
freedom and return church properties to its minority communities.
"I believe that this resolution is an important step in a long
journey," said Achadjian. "Religious tolerance and freedoms are
fundamental pillars of modern society. This resolution will urge
the Republic of Turkey to end religious discrimination and return
confiscated church properties back to their rightful owners."
The resolution encourages the Republic of Turkey to ensure that
its minorities and indigenous peoples can freely practice their
religion and maintain their communities. It draws attention to the
thousands of properties that have been confiscated and, in many cases,
destroyed. Much of this occurred during and in the years following
the Armenian Genocide. Many within the Armenian American community in
California and the United States are the descendants of parishioners
from churches that are currently off-limits to the remaining Armenian
community of Turkey.
"California is home to many survivors of the Armenian Genocide and
we must address the contemporary consequences of this crime against
humanity," said Armen Garabedian, chairman of the ANCA-WR's California
State Affairs committee. "While we continue to fight against the final
stage of genocide which is its denial, it is also important to take
concrete steps towards justice so that we send a clear message that
perpetrators cannot profit from the crime."
In June 2011, the United States House of Representatives introduced
a similar resolution, House Resolution 306. The following month, an
amendment to a State Department Authorization Bill, which included the
same core text of H.Res.306, originally sponsored by Ed Royce (D-CA),
passed by an overwhelming 43-1 in the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The amendment received broad bi-partisan support including supporting
votes from many members of the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and
Turkish Americans, including one of its co-chairs, who served in the
committee. That vote paved the way for the successful adoption of the
resolution by the full U.S. House of Representatives in December 2011.
"As a country founded on the principles of religious freedom,
the United States and California can take another step in honoring
that tradition by passing this resolution," noted Raffi Kassabian,
a member of the ANCA-WR's Board of Directors. "The passage of this
resolution helps ensure that religious freedom is respected in free
and democratic societies, especially by countries which claim to be
our allies and partners."
Those interested in learning more about the resolution and
participating in the community's commemoration activities in the
State Capitol should contact the ANCA-WR at (818) 500-1918.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.
Special Message: On May 20, the 2012 ANCA Telethon will bring
thousands of people together from coast to coast in support of the
educational, charitable, and civic involvement programs of the ANCA
Endowment Fund. Be a part of the excitement! To learn more, visit
www.ancatelethon.org