House Concurrent Resolution 7

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE LEGISLATURE FOR THE FAMILY UNIT IN OUR SOCIETY ON THE OCCASION OF THE ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY.

WHEREAS, the President of the United States has repeatedly emphasized that the strength of the nation depends upon the strength of the family, and he has called upon all to "recommit ourselves to strengthen our nation by strengthening our families"; and

WHEREAS, it is universally recognized that the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations has proclaimed the year 2005 as the Eleventh Anniversary of the International Year of the Family in order to, among other things, increase awareness of family issues among governments as well as the private sector; and

WHEREAS, the institution of the family is now being undermined and threatened by various cultural, social, political, legal and economic forces that are weakening the bonds between husband and wife, parent and child, and the generations, and wreaking consequential harm and havoc throughout society; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi declares that the family is the very foundation of our communities and the bedrock of our nation, continuing to be the most fundamental unit of society, the basis and bastion of civilization and progress since time immemorial, and the continuing hope of mankind; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi declares that the family, ideally founded on the marriage between husband and wife, is the cradle of life and love for each new generation, the primary source of identity, self-esteem and support, and the first and foremost school of life, being uniquely suited to teach children integrity, character, morals, responsibility, service, and wisdom, and thereby transmitting timeless value to future generations; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi recognizes the urgent need for measures designed to promote family happiness and stability by promoting loving and faithful marriages, and by encouraging greater love and loyalty among all family members, increased connection and communication between parents and children, and more involvement of both fathers and mothers in raising children in a positive and healthy environment and in teaching them values and morals essential to personal fulfillment and the success of society; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi urges all citizens and communities, and all organizations and institutions in all sectors of society, to proactively promote those measures designed to protect, defend, and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi further urges government leaders, officials, and representatives in all levels and branches of government, with respect to all legislative, executive, administrative, and judicial action, to promote those measures designed to protect, defend, and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi calls upon leaders and people of influence in media, entertainment, education, business, the arts, and religion to help reverse the cultural bias against the family and family values; and

WHEREAS, the State Mississippi further calls upon citizens and communities, and all organizations and institutions in all the sectors of society, to help support, sponsor, organize and participate in appropriate activities and events designed to promote and protect the family as the fundamental unit of society in celebration of the 2005 Eleventh Anniversary of the International Year of the Family:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby express our support for the family unit in our society on the occasion of the Eleventh Anniversary of the International Year of the Family.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.