ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 180
BY REPRESENTATIVE PATRICK WILLIAMS
A RESOLUTION
To express support for efforts to preserve fundamental rights, free media, and democratic
principles in Turkey.
WHEREAS, the United States and Turkey are longstanding allies, and Turkey is a
key member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and a strategic partner in the Middle
East region; and
WHEREAS, a strong democracy requires both tolerance and transparency, and recent
decisions by the Turkish government to suppress dissenting voices are threats to the
democratic principles that Turkey has previously upheld; and
WHEREAS, the Turkish government has become increasingly authoritarian as it
detains journalists, suppresses political dissidents, and disregards fundamental democratic
precepts in Turkey; and
WHEREAS, many have expressed alarm relative to the recent arrests of members
of the Turkish media, media owners, and prominent journalists, which many feel are
undermining freedom, democracy, and economic prosperity in Turkey; and
WHEREAS, a free media must be supported and protected to foster an environment
open to constructive political discussion and to ensure freedom of expression; and
WHEREAS, in the 2010 Regular Session of the Legislature of Louisiana, House
Resolution No. 192 and Senate Resolution No. 137 created a Louisianian-Turkish Friendship
Task Force to further long-standing Louisiana-Turkey relations, build upon time-honored
friendships, and promote the cultural, educational, academic, political, and economic
relations between Louisianians and Turkish people; and
WHEREAS, a vibrant and dedicated Turkish-American community in Louisiana has
been very active and involved in cultivating and promoting strong economic, educational,
and social ties between Turkey and the United States.
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 180 ENROLLED
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express support for efforts to preserve fundamental
rights, free media, and democratic principles in Turkey.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this Resolution be transmitted
to president and chief executive officer of the Turquoise Council of Americans and
Eurasians.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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