Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury delivered the following statement during the Dec. 17 Board of County Commissioners meeting:
I want to take a moment today to reflect upon and comment on something that is touching many members of our community and our staff.
The fear-based rhetoric being spread nationally and locally about the Muslim community runs counter to the values of the United States and of Multnomah County.
The best moments in our nation’s history have not been defined by fear, but by hope.
This nation’s founding documents emphasized the freedom of religion and religious pluralism. This County and this board is committed to valuing and honoring the many different cultures, religions and traditions that our residents embrace. We work towards these values every day and we recognize the immense contributions of Muslims to our community.
No one should live in fear from the threat of violence, profiling, oppression or persecution because of the way they look, the religion they practice, places they worship, or the part of the world they come from.
As a government, we must ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law. Not only because it is the right thing to do, but because the laws of this country require us to.
But if we want the kind of society that is envisioned by the ideals of our nation we must individually take action every day to make that place a reality.
I am confident that you will join me in resisting fear and hate, and stand together for peace and understanding.