OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
411 W. Ocean Boulevard, 9th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-2200
Facsimile: (562) 436-1579
DAWN MCINTOSH
City Attorney May 2, 2023
GARY J. ANDERSON
Assistant City Attorney
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Long Beach proclaiming support for the rights of the women and people of Iran to free expression. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to City Council’s request on April 18, 2023, this office has prepared and submits the above-described resolution for the Council’s consideration and approval.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Very truly yours,
DAWN MCINTOSH, City Attorney
By:
Monica J. Kilaita
Deputy City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS: CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION
MJK:rj A23-01113
01514534.DOCX
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OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
DAWN MCINTOSH, City Attorney
411 W. Ocean Boulevard, 9th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LONG BEACH PROCLAIMING SUPPORT FOR
THE RIGHTS OF THE WOMEN AND PEOPLE OF IRAN TO
FREE EXPRESSION
WHEREAS, the people of Iran, particularly women and girls, have taken to the streets to protest their government and the tragic death of Mahsa Amini; and WHEREAS, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died on September 16, 2022, while in government custody, after being arrested by the government’s Morality Police for being a woman in public without a headscarf, allegedly violating the Islamic dress code for women; and
WHEREAS, Amini’s death, and the Iranian government’s oppressive policies that violate Iranian women’s rights to bodily autonomy, sparked massive outrage and resulted in civil unrest and protests in Iran, as well as demonstrations and outrage globally; and
WHEREAS, the people of Iran, primarily women and girls, continue to advocate for their civil and human rights and, since demonstrations began, the Iranian government has reportedly restricted internet access and hindered the functionality of several cell phone applications to prevent communication, access to information, and freedom of expression; and
WHEREAS, the Iranian government has performed at least four executions of political prisoners and sentenced several more to death without legal due process in order to quell dissent and intimidate protestors; and
WHEREAS, these reprehensible actions have already been condemned by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, President Biden’s administration, and women’s rights activities globally; and
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OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
DAWN MCINTOSH, City Attorney
411 W. Ocean Boulevard, 9th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
WHEREAS, the City of Long Beach (“City”) has taken notice in the protests and demonstrations around the world and the importance to speak out on the crucial issue of women’s freedom; and
WHEREAS, as such, the City issued a public statement on October 20, 2022, in solidarity with the women and people of Iran who were protesting their government following the death of Amini, recognizing the importance of peaceful protests as the heart of advocating for human rights and freedoms, and standing up against governments who seek to control women in every facet of their lives; and WHEREAS, civil unrest has continued in Iran and, to date, Iranian security forces have killed more than 500 protestors and detained over 18,000 people during the demonstrations; and
WHEREAS, the City now desires to officially proclaim its support for women’s rights and for the people of Iran in their freedom of expression; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Long Beach resolves as follows:
Section 1. The City Council hereby proclaims its support for the rights of the women and people of Iran to free expression.
Section 2. The City of Long Beach is committed to the protection of human rights by continuing to advocate for the end of all violence and oppression against women, and calls for an end to any and all human rights abuses inflicted upon the people of Iran by their government.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting this resolution. ///
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OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
DAWN MCINTOSH, City Attorney
411 W. Ocean Boulevard, 9th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Long Beach at its meeting of ______________________, 20 23, by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmembers:
Noes: Councilmembers:
Absent: Councilmembers:
Recusal(s): Councilmembers:
City Clerk