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Board adopts ‘Comfort Women Day’ resolution after amendment; public comment drew strong opposition from some community members
Summary
The board adopted a resolution declaring Sept. 22, 2017, as Comfort Women Day in San Francisco after an amendment and unanimous vote. The item prompted substantial public comment, with several speakers urging the supervisors not to adopt the resolution and raising concerns about historical accuracy and foreign policy implications.
The Board of Supervisors on Sept. 19 adopted a resolution declaring Sept. 22, 2017, as Comfort Women Day in the City and County of San Francisco. Supervisor Fein? (transcript lists Supervisor Feuer) offered an amendment (to strike line 16) that was adopted; the amended resolution was then adopted unanimously.
The resolution prompted an extended public comment period. Multiple members of the public spoke in opposition, calling on the board not to adopt the day and arguing the subject is a sensitive, bilateral issue between nations with disputed factual accounts. Speakers raised concerns about perceived historical inaccuracies, the potential to reopen old wounds between communities, and the appropriateness of adopting a resolution that some said relied on contested sources. Several speakers specifically referenced the history, press reporting, and retractions relating to testimony and historical claims.
Why it matters: The resolution is a symbolic recognition adopted by the city; the item attracted notable public comment reflecting divisions among community members from different national and ethnic backgrounds. Supervisors amended the item before adoption and voted unanimously on the amended resolution.
Public comment highlights - Speakers from the Japanese, Korean and Chinese communities urged the board either to reject the resolution or to carefully consider the historical record and international agreements. Concerns ranged from allegations of factual errors to the view that the issue is a foreign political dispute that could harm community harmony.
Board action - Supervisor Feuer moved an amendment to the resolution (to strike line 16); Supervisor Yee seconded and Supervisor Yi asked to be added as a cosponsor. The amended resolution was adopted unanimously.
What the board will do next: The resolution is symbolic; there is no implementation task arising from the declaration. The item generated calls from several community organizations for further dialogue and historical review.
