ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
PRESS
RELEASE
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May
19, 2017
Contact:
Danielle Saroyan
Telephone:
(202) 393-3434
Web:
www.aaainc.org
TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Texas House of Representatives
unanimously adopted a resolution affirming the Armenian Genocide by a vote of
137 to 0, reports the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).
Spearheaded by Texas State Representative Scott
Sanford (R-TX) with invaluable support from Representatives Rafael Anchia
(D-TX) and Jeff Leach (R-TX), House Resolution, House Resolution (HR) 191 says
in part: “During World War I, the crumbling Ottoman Empire began a systematic
campaign to eradicate its Armenian population, which then numbered more than
two million.” The resolution resolved that “the House of Representatives of the
85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the Armenian genocide.”
"The Armenian Assembly greatly appreciates the
exemplary work and dedication of the Armenian American community in Texas,
especially Mihran Aroian who led the effort," stated Assembly Grassroots
and Development Associate Mariam Khaloyan. "We look forward to working to
ensure that all 50 states unequivocally affirm the Armenian Genocide and the
proud chapter in America’s history in helping save the survivors,” she added.
Mr. Aroian told the Assembly: “This is a proud
moment for Texas and for all those who support genocide affirmation and prevention.
I would like to thank Representative Scott Sanford for his leadership and for
all those who worked diligently to make this happen.”
Last month, Members of the Texas legislature had
the opportunity to view a screening of The
Promise, an extraordinary film that depicts the events of the Armenian
Genocide, at the State Capitol in Austin.
Former Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill (SB)
482 in 2009, which created the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission to help
preserve information and experiences of the Holocaust and other genocide
events. During the ceremony, he said: "In addition to the Holocaust, there
have been five major genocide events in the 20th century, including the
Armenian, Cambodian, Rwandan, Bosnian and Herzegovinian, and Sudanese
genocides. Survivors, liberators and others who witnessed these atrocities have
died without leaving their lessons of survival and humanity.”
Click here to see a list of U.S. states that affirm
the Armenian Genocide.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of
America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting
public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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2017-036
Photo Caption: Texas State Rep. Scott Sanford
(R-TX) (back, center), Mihran Aroian (front, center), and members of the
Armenian American community in Texas after the House hearing of HR 191 on April
24, 2017.
Available online: