RESOLUTION DECLARING HAWKINS COUNTY, TENNESSEE
A CONSTITUTIONAL SANCTUARY COUNTY
WHEREAS, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights serve as the fundamental documents that establish the duties of the federal government, defines the limitations of the federal government with respect to its inability to infringe upon the God given rights and liberties of citizens, and makes explicit declarations that all rights and powers not granted to the United States federal government are reserved to the states or to the people;
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the State of Tennessee which was ratified in 1835 also contains a Declaration of Rights which states in Article I: “That all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness;” and
WHEREAS, throughout the history of and subsequent amendments to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee, the foundation of liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights has endured; and
WHEREAS, recently proposed legislation and executive orders from the President of the United States and Congress, and the executive branch of the State of Tennessee, have sought to limit or eliminate certain traditionally held rights of the people guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Hawkins County declares itself to be a Constitutional Sanctuary County and reaffirms the protections of liberty found in the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no agent, employee or official of Hawkins County in his or her official capacity shall knowingly participate, whether by act or by omission, in conduct that infringes upon any individual’s rights, as expressed by the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any agent, employee or official of Hawkins County is encouraged to decline to participate in any action by either the State of Tennessee or the Federal government, when in the opinion of the agent, employee or official of Hawkins County said action may result in the infringement of any right of a citizen of Hawkins County as enumerated in either the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the State of Tennessee.