HR1145 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1145 LRB093 23028 HSS 52981 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Reality television has become a popular part of broadcasting for all major networks; and

WHEREAS, On Wednesday, July 28, 2004, United Paramount Network will air the two-hour premiere of the television reality series "Amish in the City"; and

WHEREAS, Amish youth will be portrayed in the "rumspringa", a time when Amish people 16 years or older are allowed to break free from their roots to see the world and determine if they would choose to return to Amish culture; they will be depicted living in a home with other young people who are accustomed to "city life"; and

WHEREAS, While the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to free expression, caution should be exercised concerning the beliefs and practices of specific groups of people; the show "Amish in the City" appears to single out the beliefs and practices of the Amish as a source for humor and to belittle the Amish community; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we express strong concern over the exploitation of the Amish community and religion as will be depicted in the program "Amish in the City"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the United Paramount Network.