Rally backs bill pulling Sudan funds

'Pressing moral crisis' spurs state bipartisan effort

Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News

Monday, February 12, 2007

A group of politicians rarely found on the same side of an issue - including Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo and Democratic Speaker of the state House Andrew Romanoff - gathered on the Capitol steps on Sunday to denounce genocide in Sudan and endorse a bill that will punish that country financially.

Thousands of people have been driven from their homes and murdered in Sudan's Darfur region. Many of them are Christians or animists who have been persecuted by thugs backed by the country's Muslim leadership.

Tancredo and Romanoff both gave their support to House Bill 1184, which would yank state pension funds out of companies with major investments in Sudan.

Romanoff said the bill has 76 sponsors from both parties, showing the seriousness of what is happening in that part of Africa.

"It's the most pressing moral crisis of our time," Romanoff said.

Nearly 20 states are considering similar legislation.

"The states are taking a lead on this," Tancredo said. "I think it's a great approach. If you want to get to the heart of a problem, find a way to stop the dollars from flowing."

Tancredo said he will support similar legislation at the federal level.

State Rep. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, said he spent a year in Sudan as a young man.

"It's very personal for me," he said.

"This cuts through all partisanship.

"What's going on now in Darfur is genocide."

Ahmed Ali of the Darfur Association spoke on behalf of the 2,000 Sudanese refugees who call Colorado home.

"This is a very important first step to stop innocent people from being killed," he said.

"If the U.S. takes leadership, the genocide will stop."