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星期三, 2月 08, 2017

波士頓市議會通過吳弭提案 重新成立人權委員會

           (Boston Orange)波士頓市議會今(2月8)日無異議通過了市議會議長吳弭(Michelle Wu)的成立人權特別委員會命令。吳弭任命市議員查金(Josh Zakim)出任該委員會主席。
            波士頓市議會以前有人權及民權委員會,2014到2015年時由市議員查金出任主席,但該委員會去年撤銷了。
            吳弭表示,在2016年1月,訂立委員會架構時,她說得十分清楚,每一個政策委員會都必須把人權,民權考量包括在內,才為重整資源及重心,決定撤銷了特定委員會。但是過去這兩星期,世界變了,她們從選民那兒知道,現在是比任何時期都重要的時候,要由城市來保衛民眾的人權。市議員查金在這方面一直是一名真正的領袖,她很高興查金能擔任這委員會的主席。
             查金表示,在這人們對人權,自由有著不確定及恐懼感之際,他很榮幸能再次擔任這重要委員會的主席。
             重新成立的這特別委員會旨在關注波士頓所有居民及到訪者的民權,將尤其注意平等獲取教育,住宅,就業及醫療服務的權益。這委員會將有權處理和市府,州府和聯邦政府禁止歧視法的有關事務。該委員會也將著重探討,研擬能確保所有市民,以及市府經濟安全的做法或擬訂法案,倡導市府機構在不論種族,膚色,原本國籍,祖籍,性別,性向,性徵,年齡或殘障等原則中,和非政府機構及個人的合作。
           成立新委員會需要三分之二市議員的同意,才能通過。波士頓市議會今日無異議通過了市議長吳弭的成立新政策委員會,關注人權的提案。
           該委員會在查金出任主席外,其他成員有副主席r Andrea Campbell,以及委員 Annissa Essaibi George, Sal LaMattina,以及 Matt O’Malley,共5人。

BOSTON CITY COUNCIL VOTES UNANIMOUSLY
TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS
New policy committee to be chaired by District 8 City Councilor Josh Zakim



BOSTON – February 8, 2017 – Today the Boston City Council voted unanimously to approve City Council President Michelle Wu’s order to create a new City Council policy committee, the Special Committee on Civil Rights. President Wu has appointed City Councilor Josh Zakim as Chair of the Special Committee.

The City Council had previously had a Committee on Human Rights and Civil Rights, most recently chaired by Councilor Zakim in the 2014-2015 term, but this was discontinued last year.

“In setting the committee structure in January 2016, I made clear that every single policy committee has a mandate to include human rights and civil rights as part of its charge, so we discontinued the specific committee as part of our reorganization based on resources and focus,” said President Wu. “However, the world has changed in the last two weeks, and we’ve heard from our constituents that it’s more important than ever for cities to take action guarding civil rights. Councilor Zakim has been a true leader on these issues, and I’m pleased that he will chair this revamped committee with a proactive focus on bringing all voices into the conversation.”

Commenting on his new role, Councilor Zakim said, "During this time of uncertainty and fear around issues of civil rights and liberties, I am proud to again chair this important committee. Today, the Boston City Council has taken another affirmative step towards protecting and defending all Bostonians. I look forward to working with city agencies, non-profit organizations, and all members of our diverse community to create legislative and policy solutions that guarantee the welcoming and inclusive spirit of our city."

The order outlines the special committee’s charge:
The purpose of the Special Committee shall be to concern itself with matters relating to civil rights for all residents of Boston and visitors to the city, specifically: The committee shall concern itself with matters relating to equal access to education, housing, employment and health care services. The committee shall have jurisdiction over matters relating to city, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination. The committee shall concern itself with exploring the development of programs and/or legislation to ensure that all are able to safely and fully participate in the civic life of our city and our economy. The committee shall explore opportunities for city agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to work together to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all Bostonians. The committee shall concern itself with promoting equal and fair access to public and private services and facilities for all residents, regardless of race, color, national origin, national ancestry, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age or disability.

The creation of a new committee required an affirmative 2/3 vote of the Council to pass. Later in the meeting, Councilors voted to approve a separate order filed by President Wu, which assigned the new committee to host a policy briefing series focused on civil rights.

In addition to Committee Chair Josh Zakim, the voting members of the Committee will include Vice Chair Andrea Campbell, as well as Councilors Annissa Essaibi George, Sal LaMattina, and Matt O’Malley.

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