Mississippi Challenge 1965 General Resolution

WHEREAS, registration procedures and the November 1964 elections in the state of Mississippi were conducted by the officials in that state in a manner clearly designed to discriminate systematically against Negro citizens of the state; and

WHEREAS, qualified voters of Mississippi residing in the five Congressional Districts have challenged the validity of the elections held in those districts in 1964, and have challenged the seating of the Congressmen now temporarily seated to represent these districts; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party in support of these claims filed depositions and briefs in accordance with Rules of the House governing challenges; and

WHEREAS, the House Sub-Committee on Elections is at present considering depositions supporting the charges against the seating of the purported Mississippi delegation and is to report by July 4 for or against seating the purported Mississippi delegation; and

WHEREAS, by its vote on said report, the House of Representatives shall decide whether the purported Mississippi delegation now fulfills the qualifications for permanent seating; and

WHEREAS, the Unitarian Universalist Association's member churches and fellowships unite in seeking to affirm, defend, and promote the use of the democratic method in human relationships;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Fourth General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urge the members of the House of Representatives to: (a) work to insure a floor vote on the challenge to the seating of the purported Mississippi delegation, (b) vote not to seat permanently any Mississippi delegation until such time as a delegation is elected by free elections open to all citizens and conducted in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, and (c) support the calling of special elections following a period of federally supervised registration of citizens qualified to vote.