Minneapolis Council may oppose Patriot Act opposition
Published March 21, 2003 MPLS21
The Minneapolis City Council may decide today whether to ban using city resources to enforce homeland security measures that some council members contend are unconstitutional.
A resolution placed on today's agenda for a vote notes that the USA Patriot Act, enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, gave the attorney general and secretary of state the power to designate domestic groups conducting legitimate activity as terrorist organizations. It also said the law gave the FBI broad access to sensitive medical, mental health, financial and library records.
The resolution directs city law enforcement officials and other city employees to report to the council or Human Rights Commission instances where activities or investigations violate "fundamental rights and liberties."
City resources, personnel and administrative or law enforcement funds cannot be used "to advance such unconstitutional activities," the resolution says.
If it passes, members of the state's congressional delegation would be urged to work for the revocation of the Patriot Act, Homeland Security Acts, and any legislation that limits or violates fundamental rights.
Seven of the 13 council members are sponsors, indicating that the resolution has enough support to pass. But at least one member has said it needs to be considered by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee before the full council votes. Sponsors are Paul Zerby, Dean Zimmermann, Scott Benson, Natalie Johnson Lee, Gary Schiff, Dan Niziolek and Council Vice President Robert Lilligren.
A mayoral spokeswoman was unable to say whether Mayor R.T. Rybak supports the resolution. He has traditionally opposed council attempts to weigh in on national and international affairs. Nine votes would be needed to override a mayoral veto.
Rochelle Olson
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