PHOENIX (April 25, 2012) – A resolution condemning indefinite detention without due process provisions written into the National Defense Authorization Act completed its journey through the Arizona legislature, garnering strong support in the House last week.
The House passed SCR1011 on April 18 by a 38-18 margin.
By passing the resolution, the Arizona legislature takes an emphatic stand against unconstitutional provisions in the NDAA.
That the Members of the Legislature condemn sections 1021 and 1022 of the 2012 NDAA as they purport to repeal posse comitatus and authorize the President of the United States to use the armed forces of the United States to police American citizens, to indefinitely detain persons captured within the United States without charge until the end of hostilities as purportedly authorized by the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, to subject persons captured within the United States to military tribunals, and to transfer persons captured within the United States to a foreign country or foreign entity.
The resolution passed the Senate 30-8 last month. With passage in the House last week, the legislature transmitted the resolution to the Arizona Secretary of State, who will send it on to President Obama and every member of the United States Congress.
The legislatures in Utah and Maine also passed resolutions opposing NDAA detention earlier this year, and four other states continue to consider similar bills. At least 12 county or city governments have also passed resolutions condemning the provisions in sections 1021 and 1022.
“Arizona added its voice to a growing chorus last week. This rising tide of opposition to federal kidnapping spans across the country and encompasses people from every side of the political spectrum,” Tenth Amendment Center communications director Mike Maharrey said. “Americans stand up for freedom and liberty. That’s what they do. Even if it means opposing their own federal government. We saw northern states battle vigorously when Uncle Sam insisted he had the right to drag black people back into slavery without even a hint of due process, and we’re seeing that same spirit alive today as states one by one rise up to say, ‘No!’ to these abhorrent indefinite detention provisions.”
Arizona lawmakers continue to consider stronger legislation in opposition to NDAA detention. The Senate caucus was scheduled to take up an amendment added to SB1182 on Monday. That bill would forbid any state agency from cooperating with federal efforts to detain citizens within Arizona borders. The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill last month, and after weeks of political wrangling, the House approved SB1182 last week with the Amendment.
The track liberty preservation legislation across the United States, click HERE.
