Relative to the Acknowledgment of the Tragedy of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.
If enacted, SR83 designates the year 2024 as the Year of Commemoration for the Armenian Genocide in California. It proposes statewide events and educational initiatives to honor the victims and raise awareness about the historical significance of the genocide. The resolution's passage reflects California's commitment to acknowledging atrocities throughout history and supports the Armenian American community, which constitutes the largest of its kind in the United States.
Senate Resolution No. 83 (SR83), introduced by Senators Wilk and Portantino, acknowledges the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide that occurred from 1915 to 1923. The resolution recognizes that over 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated by the Ottoman Empire. It emphasizes the severe human rights violations faced by not only Armenians but other Christian groups during this period. The resolution also notes the modern implications of this historical event and stresses the importance of education and commemoration efforts to ensure that such atrocities are not forgotten.
The sentiment surrounding SR83 reflects a strong consensus among the Senate members, as evidenced by the unanimous voting outcome with 37 senators in favor and none against. This bipartisan support suggests that members of the California legislature understand the importance of recognizing historical injustices and support efforts to educate future generations on human rights and historical events, demonstrating a collective responsibility towards advocacy and recognition.
While the passage of SR83 was smooth, potential points of contention could arise from differing views on the resolution's calls to action, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Turkey and Azerbaijan. The resolution calls for the U.S. government to halt military assistance to Azerbaijan and emphasizes the need for equitable relations between Armenia and Turkey. These points may stir debates concerning the United States' geopolitical interests and historical relations with these nations.