Arizona state representatives Andrew Sherwood and Rebecca Rios, sponsors of the resolutionHouse Resolution 2002 (PDF), introduced in the Arizona House of Representatives on February 9, 2015, would, if enacted, express the House's recognition of February 12, 2015, as International Darwin Day.
The resolution acknowledges the 206th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, honors his discovery of natural selection, and the theory's role as "the foundation for ongoing advances in science, health, philosophy, art, education, and many other areas of modern life." It also celebrates Darwin's "strength of character" and the "great courage, wisdom and honesty required to explore and publish" his work on evolution, and deems his birthday "an appropriate day on which to celebrate and to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity, and the hunger for truth, which contribute to the well-being of all people."
Like HR 67 and SR 66, Darwin Day resolutions introduced in the US House and US Senate, the resolution in Arizona covers only 2015. The resolution was introduced by Andrew Sherwood (D-District 26) and Rebecca Rios (D-District 27), whose districts include Arizona State University.
A RESOLUTION
PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 12, 2015 AS INTERNATIONAL DARWIN DAY IN ARIZONA.
Whereas, February 12, 2015 is the 206th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin; and
Whereas, Charles Darwin is recognized for the discovery of natural selection as the mechanism by which biological evolution occurs; and
Whereas, Darwin's discovery of natural selection continues to serve as the foundation for ongoing advances in science, health, philosophy, art, education and many other areas of modern life; and
Whereas, Darwin's strength of character is evident in the great courage, wisdom and honesty required to explore and publish the findings supporting natural selection as the mechanism by which biological evolution occurs; and
Whereas, the anniversary of Darwin's birth is an appropriate day on which to celebrate and to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity and the hunger for truth, which contribute to the well-being of all people; and
Whereas, the State of Arizona is rightfully proud of its commitment to growth in the biotechnology industry, scientific research and education, natural resource-based recreation and tourism, research hospitals, aeronautics and other areas made possible by ongoing innovation in the life sciences.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:
That the Members of the House of Representatives proclaim February 12, 2015 as International Darwin Day in Arizona.