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Talent committee to look at resolution supporting Muslims Sunday Aug 21, 2016 at 12:01 AM Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune An ad hoc committee will be formed in Talent to refine a resolution requested by citizens to support Muslims in town after discussion at Wednesday’s City Council meeting indicated a desire for a document more inclusive of all religions. Citizens in June presented the council with a proposed resolution stating that Talent welcomes Muslims. The request was in response to what the petitioners say is a climate of hate toward the religion and its adherents. Talent is home to Masjid al-Tawheed, the only mosque between Eugene and Redding. The first paragraph of the proposal reads, “Talent resolution to declare support for the city’s Muslim community and reaffirm Talent’s welcoming nature for all immigrants and religions.” The council heard from the public, then deliberated on how to proceed. “I know the mosque itself has had a very good reception and relations and good experience from the city, but individuals have experienced some of the hatred,” said Dorain Hastings, who conceived the idea of a petition of support last year. Hastings and others prepared the proposal after studying resolutions adopted by Portland and Beaverton in support of Muslims. Hastings first consulted with Masjid al-Tawheed members, who told her they would welcome a statement of support from the community, before approaching the council. “People come from all over the valley, or they don’t. I know that there are women who are afraid to wear their Muslim garb,” said Hastings. “It’s simply to recognize that we are in a climate of some ugliness.” “In this day and age when venom toward the Muslim community is spewed all over the place 24/7, I’m very concerned about their safety,” said Gerlinde Smith. While four speakers urged the council to adopt a resolution, one said the city should stay away from offering support to any one religion to maintain separation of government and worship. “Frankly I’m surprised the resolution has gotten this far,” said Darian Slywka. “Don’t spend more time and resources.” A resolution shouldn’t single out just one religion, said Slywka. “The resolution should have taken a neutral stance involving all religions instead of just singling out one,’ he said. One councilor suggested the resolution might create a division. “To me, it’s creating a little difference,” said Councilor Anthony Abshire. But he agreed to go ahead with formation of the committee to look at the issues. Councilors Ryan Pedersen and Daniel Wise also called for more inclusive wording in a resolution. Wise suggested that perhaps a city policy needed to be considered. “We welcome and support the Muslim community just as we support all religious and nonreligious communities,” was potential wording Pedersen suggested. Mayor Darby Stricker called for creation of the ad hoc committee, which will include three citizens. “I would encourage this council to follow the example of some of the great cities in this state, and say without a doubt that we welcomed a mosque and now we are a city that will protect its attendees in no uncertain terms,” said Stricker. City legal counsel reported that a declaration by the city welcoming all people and saying that all people, including Muslims, should be treated with respect would be fine, City Manager Tom Corrigan told the council. Tony Boom is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].