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SCR 109

ACKNOWLEDGING AND URGING TURKEY AND IRAQ TO RECOGNIZE THE GENOCIDE COMMITTED AGAINST ASSYRIANS BETWEEN 1915-1933.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gabbard

Hawaii urges Turkey and Iraq to recognize and acknowledge genocide against Assyrians from 1915-1933 through a non-binding concurrent resolution.

Referred to TCA/EDT.
#assyriangenocide #seyfogenocide
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Bill Summary · SCR 109

Legislative bill overview

SCR 109 is a concurrent resolution expressing Hawaii's acknowledgment of alleged genocide against Assyrians during 1915-1933 and urging the governments of Turkey and Iraq to officially recognize these historical events. The resolution does not create law or binding policy but serves as a statement of legislative opinion and a diplomatic appeal.

Why is this important

Recognition resolutions can influence international relations and historical discourse, particularly for communities seeking acknowledgment of atrocities. For Assyrian-American populations, official state recognition carries symbolic and cultural significance, though Hawaii's resolution carries no legal enforcement power over foreign governments.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical accuracy disputes: Turkey and some scholars contest the characterization of 1915 events as genocide, arguing they resulted from wartime displacement rather than systematic extermination; Iraq's involvement in Assyrian deaths (1933) is separate and less internationally debated
  • Foreign policy overreach: Non-binding resolutions on international matters may be viewed as Hawaii inserting itself into diplomatic issues where the federal government typically leads
  • Precedent concerns: Passage could encourage numerous similar resolutions for other disputed historical events, potentially straining relationships with countries Hawaii conducts trade or tourism business with

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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