Proclamation Would Proclaim Hingham As Welcoming Community

HINGHAM, MA — The Hingham Board of Selectmen is contemplating a statement that would proclaim that all are welcomed in town.

Tuesday night, the board reviewed a proposed welcoming statement that has been worked on this year. The statement is the result of a citizen's petition for the Annual Town Meeting that asked if Hingham should become a sanctuary city. While that article did not make the warrant, a working group along with Assistant Town Administrator Thomas Mayo and Police Chief Glenn Olsson have spent the last few months crafting a statement.

"What we decided to do was come up with a proclamation that memorializes our existing practices," Mayo told the selectmen.

The proclamation reads, "The Town of Hingham affirms that it is a welcoming community and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. It respects the human rights of all, and pledges to provide education, health and other services to all residents, regardless of their race, age, religion, country of origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, and immigration status. Every Hingham resident is encouraged to seek and obtain assistance from all resources available to members of the community. This includes police assistance and protection, education and recreational services, and other services offered by the Town, as well as all other departments, commissions, and agencies. Town employees and departments do not routinely inquire into the specific immigration status of any person encountered during normal operations, or when seeking benefits afforded to Hingham residents."

Town counsel has determined that the statement does not make Hingham a sanctuary city or put them at odds with any federal grants. Olsson said it will have no effect on how the police department operates.

"It says who we are, how we behave, how we live our lives and how we build community. It's a statement I endorse and I appreciate the hard work," board member Karen Johnson said.

Some working on the statement have suggested that it should be displayed in public places.

The selectmen will vote on the document at their Oct. 24 meeting. Until then, residents with questions and comments are asked to send them to Sally Sinclair in the Selectmen's office at sinclairs@hingham-ma.gov.

Image: File Photo