On July 24, 2010, Representative Chase addressed the Church of Scientology on the topic of human rights (transcript below) and carried a message directly from Governor Gregoire congratulating the Church on the opening of its new regional headquarters and recognizing its contributions to the community.
Transcript of the speech:
Thank you all.
It is my great pleasure to join you here today on behalf of the State of Washington and to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Church of Scientology of Washington State.
As an elected official of the State of Washington, it has always been my purpose to represent the views and values of all our citizens. I believe there are values we all look for in one another and in ourselves—like fairness, justice and tolerance, and our right to each of those as individuals. What we’re really talking about when we say those words are human rights.
I have been a long-time fighter for worker’s rights, women’s rights and educational rights. That’s where the Church of Scientology comes into play. As your Founder expressed it, “Human rights must be made a fact, not an idealistic dream.”
Well, I want you to know I am “on board” to do just that by making human rights a fact!
I was first introduced to your human rights education materials several years ago by two of your staff—one of whom I knew from Shoreline Chamber of Commerce meetings. She and your Church volunteers had always been very active in charity efforts and fundraisers for Shoreline communities.
So it came as no surprise to me whatsoever when I ran across your members volunteering once again at the Shoreline Annual Festival and Parade.
You had a booth there presenting Youth for Human Rights materials to all visitors. Let me just say that I was blown away by what you had to offer there that day.
I have always held the Universal Declaration of Human Rights close to my heart, but I never thought it could be depicted in such simple yet powerful terms as you have done in your human rights Public Service Announcements and The Story of Human Rights documentary.
Human rights education must be made available in our schools and universities.
I am proud to announce that last session I introduced House Bill 3135 promoting human and civil rights education in schools so our young will know their importance and the promise of equality under our nation’s constitution!
Billions of people need to be inspired by the spirit of the Universal Declaration. That’s where you and I come in.
I know that with your new Church here in Seattle you will be dedicated to that goal more than ever.
There’s much to be done and together we will push this through. And with that, it is now my great honor to present this official message from the Governor of the State of Washington, Christine Gregoire. And it reads:
“I recently learned that the Church of Scientology of Washington state is celebrating the grand opening of its new regional headquarters, located at the foot of Queen Anne Hill.
“It is my understanding that the building selection process has been a significant undertaking and that the completed facility has been beautifully renovated.
“Congratulations on this important milestone. I am certain that your new home will serve your members well for many years to come.”
Signed: Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the State of Washington.
Best wishes for always – and thank you very much.
And this is our Governor’s proclamation that it is my honor to present to you today!
Thank you very much!
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
PREAMBLE
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
[ read the full declaration ]
