Sanctuary City Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Want to End the War?
Make Portland a Sanctuary for GI Resisters!
Why Sanctuary City?
Increasing numbers of people in the US military are questioning the US role in Iraq, and some are exercising their right to refuse to participate in an illegal war. These brave soldiers are now forced to live underground or flee to Canada. Army desertion rates have risen 80 percent since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to the Associated Press.
Portland is already on record with a strong city council resolution calling for an end to the Iraq war, and consistently draws some of the largest crowds in the country to protest the war. Making Portland a sanctuary city is the next step in voicing our opposition to the war and showing our support for troops who refuse to participate in the occupation of Iraq. Let’s make history by making Portland the first sanctuary city for GI resisters in the US and help lead the nation away from illegal war.
What is the need for sanctuary?
People in the US military today face unprecedented hardship. Two, three or even four tours of duty to war zones are becoming common, tours have been lengthened to up to 15 months and stop-loss preventssoldiers from leaving when their agreed terms are up. National Guard memberswho joined to assist in disasters within the US are being called oversees forduties they never signed up for. More than 50% of returning veterans face serious health issues such as post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury and veterans’ suicide rates are skyrocketing. Sexual, mental and physical abuse and harassment within the military is at a high level and conscientious objector status is increasingly difficult to obtain. More and more soldiers are going AWOL for a variety of reasons including family and health issues as well as opposition to the war. As civilians, we can be allies to soldiers who are brave enough to reject this destructive system by providing a sanctuary city for GI resisters.
How will the sanctuary city work?
The most common way that AWOL soldiers are turned into the military is by being pulled over at routine traffic stops or through other minor infractions. When local police run a soldier’s license and find a federal AWOL order, they have the option to take the soldier to the jail where they processed and turned over to the military. To make Portland a sanctuary city, we are asking the Portland City Council to pass an ordinance that instructs Portland police to not act upon AWOL orders. This will provide a measure of security to AWOL soldiers in Portland and send a message that wesupport those with the courage to resist.
The sanctuary city campaign is also developing resources for soldiers and veterans in Portland, including help with jobs, housing, legal, medical and psychological issues.
How do I get involved?
Join the PDX Peace Coalition in creating a sanctuary city. You can:
- sign the petition, collect petition signatures and help gather support for the campaign;
- post a sanctuary city yard sign, wear a button and educate your family and friends;
- join the coalition and learn about upcoming events and opportunities to volunteer;
- come to an upcoming campaign meeting and help us plan events.
“At a time when an illegal and immoral war rages on, It's imperative that we support those men and women who refuse to fight and participate in such a devastating war. We can't turn our backs on those active duty members who stand up and say no more. Portland has a unique opportunity to be a leader in supporting the emerging GI Movement in this country."
