Post by Blu on Nov 29, 2004 9:18:16 GMT -5
www.nativetimes.com/index.asp?action=displayarticle&article_id=5581
Mayor seeks repeal of anti-Indian law
Passed during bitter colonial war
Native American Times and Associated Press 11/24/2004
Officials in Boston are working to formally repeal an archaic, centuries old law that mandates the arrest of any American Indian that enters the city.
The Boston Indian Imprisonment Act was passed in 1675 during the King Philip's War, which was essentially a battle between colonists and the Wampanoag Tribe. Obviously, it has not been enforced for many years.
The Boston City Council passed a resolution in favor of repeal last year, but the final action must be taken by the state Legislature.
It was the colonial Legislature, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, that approved the statute on Oct. 13, 1675.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino has filed a home rule petition, setting the legislative process in motion.
"It's time to make things right," Menino said in a statement. "Together, we'll send the message that hatred and discrimination have no place in Boston."
Menino, who made his announcement the day before Thanksgiving, noted that November is American Indian History and Heritage Month.
About freakin time! There are a lot of laws still on the books that could be used against American Indians. American Indians have only had the right to vote for 80 years, we are slow but I think a little light on the subject will help!
Mayor seeks repeal of anti-Indian law
Passed during bitter colonial war
Native American Times and Associated Press 11/24/2004
Officials in Boston are working to formally repeal an archaic, centuries old law that mandates the arrest of any American Indian that enters the city.
The Boston Indian Imprisonment Act was passed in 1675 during the King Philip's War, which was essentially a battle between colonists and the Wampanoag Tribe. Obviously, it has not been enforced for many years.
The Boston City Council passed a resolution in favor of repeal last year, but the final action must be taken by the state Legislature.
It was the colonial Legislature, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, that approved the statute on Oct. 13, 1675.
Boston Mayor Tom Menino has filed a home rule petition, setting the legislative process in motion.
"It's time to make things right," Menino said in a statement. "Together, we'll send the message that hatred and discrimination have no place in Boston."
Menino, who made his announcement the day before Thanksgiving, noted that November is American Indian History and Heritage Month.
About freakin time! There are a lot of laws still on the books that could be used against American Indians. American Indians have only had the right to vote for 80 years, we are slow but I think a little light on the subject will help!