Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 95.djvu/131

 PUBLIC LAW 97-21—JULY 9, 1981

95 STAT. 105

Public Law 97-21 97th Congress Joint Resolution To approve a Constitution for the United States Virgin Islands.

Whereas the Congress, recognizing the basic democratic principle of government by the consent of the governed enacted Public Law 94-584 authorizing the peoples of the Virgin Islands to organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption; and Whereas a constitution to provide for local self-government for the peoples of the United States Virgin Islands has been submitted to the Congress pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 94-584; and Whereas, on April 24, 1981, the Virgin Islands Constitutional Convention recommended certain amendments to said proposed constitution: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Constitution for the United States Virgin Islands is approved for submission to the people of the Virgin Islands in accordance with the provisions of Public Law 94-584 (90 Stat. 2809) as follows: PREAMBLE We the people of the United States Virgin Islands, grateful to Almightly God for our creation, preservation, and freedom, assuming the responsibilities of self-government in political union with the United States, and in order to promote more unity among our islands for ourselves and our posterity, promote the general welfare, protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, ensure political, social and economic justice, maintain a representative democratic government, protect our culture and natural resources, and preserve the identity of the Virgin Islands, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

July 9, 1979 [H.J. Res. 238] 48 USC 1541 note.

48 USC 1541 note.

48 USC 1541 note.

constitution for the United States Virgin Islands. 48 USC 1541 note. 90 Stat. 2899. 48 USC note prec. 1391. 48 USC 1541 note.

ARTICLE I. BILL OF RIGHTS FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

1. The dignity of the human being is inviolable. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law or be denied the equal protection of the laws. No person shall be discriminated against on account of race, color, sex, place of birth, social origin, or political or religious belief. SECTION

48 USC 1541 note.

FREEDOM OF RELIGION, SPEECH, PRESS, ASSEMBLY AND PETITION

2. No law shall be enacted respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably SECTION

48 USC 1541 note.

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