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The Homeland Security Act

SF Supervisors Oppose Patriot Act

(AP / January 22, 2003) - The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has passed a resolution opposing the Patriot Act on the grounds it violates civil rights.

"The USA Patriot Act encourages the use of racial profiling and creates an atmosphere of hate against immigrants who have done nothing wrong," said Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, who introduced the resolution. "This is something we in San Francisco will not tolerate."

The Patriot Act was passed in the wake of last year's terrorist attacks. It gives the government new powers to obtain personal information about U.S. citizens in an attempt to stop future attacks.

The measure passed 9-1 late Tuesday, according to Sanjeev Bery of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California.

"San Francisco's joining a nationwide movement of communities that are taking a stand," Bery said.

San Francisco is the largest city in the state to pass such a resolution.

Supervisor Tony Hall opposed the resolution, Bery said.