In Solidarity

June 2010

The recent anti-immigration legislation passed in Arizona is not only a statement of frustration at the lack of a compassionate federal immigration policy, but also a reflection of hostile attitudes and actions directed towards Latino people in Arizona and beyond. If anyone doubted this more sinister motive, the governor’s signing of a bill prohibiting the teaching in public schools of ethnic study classes that advocate ethnic solidarity, makes this point glaringly clear.

From painful experience, the lgbt community knows how it feels when legislators use their power to target, harass and demean a particular group. As a community whose families are not legally recognized, we also understand the inadequacies of immigration laws and the disruption and grief they can cause. For these reasons and also because the Latino community includes lgbt people, BMC stands in solidarity with Latino people as a continuation of the struggle for human dignity and worth that is at the center of our work.

The action in Arizona is of particular concern to MCUSA because of signed contracts to hold the 2013 Assembly in Phoenix. In response to the current situation, Yvonne Diaz, Executive Director of Iglesia Menonita Hispana, recommends the following:

• Become informed by initiating a study in your congregation, conference or district of the status of immigrants and immigration law in the United States. Resources are available from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) at www.mcc.org/programs/immigration.

• Communicate with Yvonne at Iglesia Menonita Hispana about the success and content of your congregational conversation so that she knows what resources, actions and steps are needed. She may be reached at 574.523.3091 or YvonneD@IglesiaMenonita.net.

• If Mennonite, share your concerns or thoughts about the 2013 MCUSA Assembly with Ervin Stutzman, MCUSA Executive Director at ErvinS@MennoniteUSA.org. Iglesia Menonita Hispana is asking the church to break the contracts and find another venue for the assembly.

Other suggestions:

• Follow the progress and/or support Migrant Trail: We Walk for Life, a 75 mile peace journey from Sasabe, Sorona to Tuscon, Arizona that began on May 31st and will end on June 6th.  The walk bears witness to the dangers of border crossing and stands in defiance of borders that attempt to divide. To learn more, go to www.derechoshumanosaz.net. MCC is a co-sponsor of the event.

• Boycott the state of Arizona for vacation, travel or business. Communicate with the governor about your decision to avoid the state.

• Connect with local groups who are involved with immigration issues. Find out how you can be supportive and make a difference.

• Learn more about the Latino/a lgbt community. Unid@s LGBT, the National Latina/o LGBT Human Rights Organization is one place to start. Their website is: www.unidoslgbt.blogspot.com.