Faithfully Vote NO Against Prop 314
Human Rights in the Pulpit, on the Bimah, in the Minbar Campaign
We are launching our Human Rights in the Pulpit Campaign to bring together our diverse interfaith communities in a unified stand against Proposition 314. This proposition, crafted by policymakers, risks expanding unchecked powers for law enforcement, imposing significant burdens on Arizona's citizens without addressing the root causes of crime. Faith leaders from across traditions are concerned about the potential for harm to vulnerable communities and the strain on essential public services. Our campaign is rooted in the shared values of justice, compassion, and the dignity of every person. Together, we can educate our congregations and advocate for policies that truly promote the well-being of all Arizonans, ensuring that our laws reflect the core principles of our faiths and our commitment to the common good.
Proposition Summary
Proposition 314, the "Immigration and Border Law Enforcement Measure," is on Arizona's ballot this November. This proposition would allow state and local police to arrest individuals without legal status crossing the border unlawfully, empower state judges to order deportations, require E-Verify for public programs and employment, and make selling fentanyl that causes death a Class 2 felony, unless the fentanyl is produced in the United States in which case the law does not apply to it.
Dangerous Overreach: Proposition 314 allows local enforcement to overstep constitutional boundaries, potentially leading to racial profiling and unlawful arrests. Faith leaders argue that such measures violate the sanctity of human rights and dignity, which are deeply rooted in all major religious traditions.
Unjust and Unconstitutional: This measure mirrors the extreme and controversial language of past failed policies, risking harm to our communities and infringing on federal authority over immigration. As religious communities, we stand firm in our belief that such laws contradict the principles of compassion and justice taught by our faiths.
Performative: The measure violates the Revenue Source Rule and is preempted by federal law, it is not serious litigation. It is intended primarily to intimidate minority communities–those communities need to see Arizona’s voters reject this measure’s overtly racist motivations.
FAQs
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Proposition 314 risks unconstitutional practices, racial profiling, and undermines federal authority over immigration. Faith leaders highlight that this proposition goes against the teachings of welcoming the stranger and protecting the oppressed.
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Communities of color, immigrant families, and anyone who might be wrongfully targeted due to this measure's overreach. These groups are integral to our congregations and communities, and their well-being is a reflection of our commitment to human rights.
Families are especially vulnerable to the harmful consequences of Proposition 314. Immigrant families, including those with mixed-status members, face the real possibility of separation, where parents may be detained and deported, leaving their children without their primary caregivers. -
The proposition conflicts with federal law and raises significant due process and equal protection concerns. Faith communities stress the importance of upholding justice and the rule of law in ways that respect the dignity of all individuals.