PRINTER'S NO. 4443
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1025
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY QUINN, MURT, RYAN, BARRAR, FRANKEL, HOHENSTEIN,
READSHAW, JAMES, McNEILL, RABB, MILLARD, HILL-EVANS,
GALLOWAY, SCHLOSSBERG, THOMAS AND BURNS, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the cultural, religious and interfaith importance of
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as "Living Guru" of Sikhs in
promoting peace and declaring Sikhs as a distinct ethnic and
religious minority.
WHEREAS, The House of Representatives is pleased to join this
Commonwealth's Sikh community in recognizing the importance of
Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as their faith's "Living Guru" in the
spirit of peace and the declaration of Sikhs as a distinct
ethnic and religious minority; and
WHEREAS, When Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, left
the world in the early 1700s, he encouraged future generations
to eschew idol worship and acknowledge the Shri Guru Granth
Sahib Ji, the principal scripture of Sikhism, as the living and
11th Guru of the Sikh religion; and
WHEREAS, A historic judgment delivered by the Supreme Court
of India on March 29, 2000, supported that great notion by
declaring those sacred writings as a juristic person, further
justifying Guru Gobind Singh Ji's declaration of Shri Guru
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Granth Sahib Ji as the "Living Guru"; and
WHEREAS, The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner
for Human Rights has recognized Sikh Holy Scripture, Shri Guru
Granth Sahib Ji, as a scripture meant to promote the interfaith
and inter-religious harmony, peace and human rights; and
WHEREAS, As the world's fifth largest religion with more than
25 million followers, Sikhism's proud tradition began with its
founding in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, and its faithful
members practice the universal principals of truthful living,
service to humanity and devotion to a higher power; and
WHEREAS, Since arriving to America's shores in the late
1800s, Sikhs have made invaluable contributions to the growth
and prosperity of this Commonwealth while enriching America's
culture, history and economy; and
WHEREAS, The strength and success of this Commonwealth, the
vitality of its communities and the effectiveness of our
American society depend, in great measure, upon our various
ethnic and religious groups, as exemplified by the Sikh
community who share with us their rich and unique heritage; and
WHEREAS, Although Sikhs have made immense contributions
throughout history, they have long faced oppression and
discrimination throughout the rest of the world; and
WHEREAS, According to the Sikh religion and history, Sikhs
share a unique set of beliefs, practices, and ancestry, since
its foundation that are altogether different from other existing
religions; and
WHEREAS, Gurumukhi, the Sikh mother language, is endangered
in most parts of the world; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth seeks to further the diversity of
its community and afford all residents the opportunity to better
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understand, recognize and appreciate the rich history and shared
experiences of Sikhs and enforce laws for access to equal
opportunity of humans irrespective of their caste, creed, color
and appearance; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
cultural, religious and interfaith importance of Shri Guru
Granth Sahib Ji as "Living Guru" of Sikhs in promoting peace and
declare Sikhs as a distinct ethnic and religious minority; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
importance of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and pay tribute to the
meritorious record of service, leadership dedication of this
Commowealth's Sikh residents; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives transmit a copy of this resolution to the
Governor and the Attorney General.
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