The South Dakota House of Representatives on Thursday in a vote of 51 to 17 passed a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide, becoming the 43rd state to call for justice for the Genocide, according to Asbarez.
With 28 original co-sponsors, the resolution calls for a "just resolution," condemns denial and encourages the teaching of the Armenian Genocide in South Dakota schools. It also discusses the genocides of Greeks and Assyrians.
"Designating 2015 as the 'Year of Remembrance for the Centennial Since the Commencement of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923? in South Dakota and urging Congress and the President of the United States to formally and consistently recognize and reaffirm the historical truth that the atrocities committed against the Armenian, Greek, and other Christians living in their historical homelands in Anatolia constituted genocide and to work towards equitable, stable, and durable Armenian-Turkish relations," read the text of the resolution.
Genocide of Armenians has been recognized by 43 United States as well as by 22 countries, including Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Russia, Belgium, France, Poland, Slovakia, the Netherlands, Greece, Cyprus, Vatican, Sweden, Lithuania.. Swizterland, Slovakia and Greece have even passed laws criminalizing denial of the Armenian Genocide. France is preparing a similar bill. The Genocide of Armenians was recognized also by the CoE, European Parliament, the UN Subcommittee to prevent discrimination and protect minorities, the UN Committee for Military Crimes, the World Church Council, as well as New South Wales, San-Paolo, Seara and Parana (Brazil), Wales, Schotland and Northern Ireland, the Basque Country, Catalonia, Balearic Islands (Spain), Quebec, Kyev, Uzhgorod, Izyum. Goloseevskiy region (Ukraine), Crimea. Turkey still denies the genocide of 1,5 million Armenians in 1915-1923.