The City Council of Las Vegas Nevada recently unanimously passed a resolution to oppose the aspects of the USA Patriot Act that infringe on civil liberties. Similar resolutions have been passed by some 200 municipalities across the country.

The Las Vegas action came after several years of education and advocacy efforts from a coalition of organizations concerned for the preservation of human rights. Peter Ediger represented Pace e Bene in this Coalition.

The resolution reads, in part: “…Resolved that it is the policy of the City of Las Vegas to oppose any portion of the USA Patriot Act that would violate the rights and liberties guaranteed equally under state and federal constitutions; and…that in accordance with the state and federal constitutions, the City of Las Vegas is opposed to actions which violate due process (Fifth Article of Bill of Rights) and right to privacy (Fourth Article of Bill of Rights) without probable cause; and…that the City of Las Vegas is opposed to the collection or maintenance of information about the political, religious, or social views, association, or activities of any individual, unless the information directly relates to an investigation of criminal activities based on articulable suspicion; and…that the City of Las Vegas implores the United States Congress to repeal any provision of the USA Patriot Act or other measures that infringe on civil liberties, and opposes any pending and future legislation that similarly infringes on civil rights and liberties.”

This action will be sent to the Nevada Congressional delegation.

In addition, a further resolution will be brought to end the illegality of racial/cultural/social/economic profiling that is taking place in Nevada. There is already something in state law about this, but there are provisions in the USA Patriot Act which indicate it is allowable.