News - Local News

POSTED: Thursday, Jun. 04, 2009

GOP opposes creating sanctuary for AWOL soldiers in Bellingham

BELLINGHAM - As City Council members prepare to host a community meeting on the idea of a 'sanctuary city' for AWOL soldiers, local Republicans have issued opposition not only to that idea but the meeting itself.

Members of the G.I. Sanctuary City Movement, a group started by Western Washington University students, convinced the council to unanimously approve hosting a meeting on the issue at 7 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the Municipal Court building, 2014 C St.

The group has offered up a resolution that would order city law enforcement not to detain military members who are absent without leave. Police sometimes learn someone is AWOL when checking their identification during a traffic stop or similar encounter.

But Whatcom County Republican Party Chairwoman Luanne Van Werven said that the local GOP not only opposes protection for AWOL soldiers trying to avoid war, but that city officials shouldn't provide a forum for an independent group's cause on public property in the first place.

She added that she believes council members are being disingenuous by saying they're not supporting the group's proposed resolution while still allowing the meeting to take place.

"If it's just to allow them the opportunity to express their view, why not encourage them to have a forum on their own dime?" Van Werven said. "I'd be curious if they'd also consider having an opportunity for a maybe more conservative group to express their perspective on a particular issue."

Nick Spring, the main contact for the Sanctuary City group, couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday, June 3.

But Spring said in a group press release that the meeting is a "big step" toward allowing the voices of AWOL soldiers to be heard, and he thanked supporters who asked council members to have the meeting.

"Your words were heartfelt and inspiring, a true testimony to the beliefs of this community," Spring said. "We will not back down."

City Councilman Terry Bornemann, who was the main sponsor for previous anti-war resolutions, said he has no intention of offering up a resolution for a council vote.

Bornemann said that the council has a role in facilitating discussions on issues, and that the sanctuary city idea, along with debate about the Iraq War, has been "volatile" in the community.

"We have dealt with controversial issues in the past in a very good manner and have been able to facilitate strong public discussions and do it in a civil manner," Bornemann said.