2023 House Resolution 68

Whereas, Reprehensible Holocaust comparisons and analogies have become all too commonplace as a means of furthering political agendas, and, thus, dividing Americans; and

Whereas, A substantial number of Republican leaders and other public figures in Michigan and across the United States have compared the Holocaust as a means to criticize gun control measures, to protest against abortion laws, and speak in favor of denying women access to reproductive health care; and

Whereas, Such comparisons are outrageous political fodder that results in further pulling our state, country, and citizens apart; causes the corrosion of historical record; and proliferates antisemitic sentiments; and

Whereas, Such comparisons may be profoundly hurtful to Jews, many of whom lost family members during the Holocaust or carry deep generational memories of the trauma suffered by their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents during the destruction of European Jewry; and

Whereas, Modern day comparisons of the systematic murder of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II are rooted in efforts to garner political gains and poach media attention; and

Whereas, These offensive and inappropriate comparisons draw a clear line between right and wrong. On one side is respect for Jewish heritage, respect for those who were murdered during or who survived the Holocaust, respect for historic truths, and respect for an ethical moral code of conduct. On the other side is the dishonorable trivialization of the Holocaust, dishonor of those who suffered at the hands of Hitler and the Nazis, as well as those who fought valiantly against the Nazis during World War II, and dishonor for an ethical moral code of conduct; now, therefore be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislation body condemn divisive rhetoric that invokes inappropriate, repugnant Holocaust comparisons as an ideological political ploy meant to polarize the populous. We stand on the right side of the moral line of history by condemning divisive rhetoric to conjure despicable and dishonorable Holocaust comparisons as an ideological and political marketing maneuver. It comes from great necessity that we stand up for what is right; and be it further.

Resolved, We explicitly recognize the true function of this ridiculous rhetoric and these abhorrent analogies for what they are — purposefully fissuring fictitious comparisons meant to advance conservative agendas, however, shamefully result in the erosion of the true history and trauma that occurred during and resulted from the atrocities of the Holocaust; and be it further

Resolved, We stand against inexcusable divisive rhetoric and stand up for what is right and for Jewish people today and for those six million individuals exterminated by genocide during the Holocaust.