Res. No. 5
Resolution opposing passage of A.2009-C/S.2165-B, legislation that would legalize mixed martial arts in New York State.
By Council Members Gennaro, Koppell, Palma and James
Whereas, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), also known as ultimate fighting and cage fighting, is a form of fighting that combines wrestling, boxing, jujitsu and hand to hand combat and takes place in octagon ring that is enclosed in a cage; and
Whereas, This sport has been popularized in the United States in recent years by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which is often shown on pay-per-view; and
Whereas, The first Ultimate Fighting Championship was held in 1993; and
Whereas, Since then, some regulations and changes have been implemented by those governing this sport and many proponents and supporters have called for its legalization in New York; and
Whereas, In an online post dated January 22, 2009 entitled "The Disturbing Rise of Ultimate Fighting," The New York Times editorial writers referred to ultimate fighting as "blood soaked slugfests;" and
Whereas, In 2008, a bill to legalize MMA was introduced in the New York Legislature with a slightly amended version of the bill introduced in the 2009 session; and
Whereas, This legislation, A.2009-C/S.2165-B, would authorize mixed martial arts events in the State of New York; and
Whereas, The legislation would also amend New York State tax law in relation to imposing a tax on gross receipts of any person holding professional matching exhibitions; and
Whereas, A report issued by Assemblyman Bob Reilly of Albany refuted the assumption that such legislation would financially benefit New York State; and
Whereas, The report, entitled "The Case Against Ultimate Fighting in New York State," claims that the legalization of this sport would not benefit, but would actually harm the local economy, stating that the nature of Ultimate Fighting is transitory and strictly profit driven; and
Whereas, According to a poll conducted by Gramercy Communications, 67% of respondents believe that MMA should not be legal in New York State; and
Whereas, Mixed martial arts is an extremely violent sport which would not add any value to the residents of New York State; now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York opposes passage of A.2009-C/S.2165-B, legislation that would legalize mixed martial arts in New York State.
DB
LS# 100
1/15/10