Fwurg

[Senator Harek]

Senator Harek looks the the Chancellor and then to the Senate. He had hoped that Chancellor Acehtoo would have done something about the basic declaration of sentient rights, but it seems that blasphemy is more important.

"Dear Chancellor Acehtoo,

During your candidacy you talked about a basic declaration of sentient rights. I think it is time for the Union to have some basic laws on this. Within the Union every sentient creature should be free to live their own life. A life where you are safe from violence, free from discrimination, free to believe what one wants, free to choose your own lifestyle and free to express your opinion.

What to you and the Senate think on this matter?"

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"How kind of you to bring this up Senator, as you know I am in very much in favour of such a law!

I take it you and yours have completed your proposal? Would you present it to the Senate?"

[Senator Harek]

"Chancellor, are you only interested in passing a vote?

I could try to pass the Hiocans rights in the Union, but there are quite some cultural differences between factions. Therefor, before a solid proposal can be made, I think it is better to first discuss some points in the Senate.

One major point for example is the right of freedom. Some factions are for and others are against slavery. As a law on this will have a huge impact for those worlds is it better to first talk about it and to get a general consensus on a Union culture."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"I find your attitude puzzling." the Chancellor stated, refusing to otherwise engage in a discussion over it in the senate "However, by all means, you have the floor."

[Senator Standro of the Confederacy of Excaria]

"The Confederacy of Excaria is generically in favour of sentientarian rights, for reasons that are too obvious and too numerous to even bother discussing.

We believe that any such basic declaration, however, must allow for room related to the biological nature of each species. Not all races live, die and reproduce in the same manner and these differences must be taken into account.

For example, the Geonosian Queens lay an egg every 8 seconds. This is notably different from, say, a Human woman, who have a birth frequency that is much lower. This may have implications to any right to, for example, healthcare.

As the universe is relatively big, and unknown species may exist which have not yet been encountered, we should have a clause which allows for exceptional situations related to biological diversity within the sentient races."

[0x71A7E17A (mask of 0x71A7E17A)]

0x71A7E17A"The IO Protocol would propose providing a sandbox environment to each sentient, within which they may live their own lives. By allowing them exclusive access to it, each sentient can run their life process completely isolated from others, and thereby meet all criteria specified by Senator Harek. The IO Protocol is willing to make processing cycles and memory available to help run this."

[Senator Harek]

"Thank you Chancellor for given me the floor.

As Senator Standro has pointed out, there are not only cultural but also biological aspects need to be taking into account for sentient rights. There I will postulate rights in various categories and would like to know whether or not your faction agrees to it or has suggestion to add/remove parts. This way we discuss things and come to a consensus."

On big holoscreens in the center and on one screen of each faction the following postulations are shown.

Sentients rights postulations

Section 1 Basic rights
a The right to life
b The right to be save from violence and abuse
c Everybody is equal, no discrimation
d Everybody is free to travel
e Everybody has freedom of thoughts/religion
f Everybody is free express their opinion
g Everybody has the right to education
h The right to work and have rest
i Everybody has right to his basics needs (race dependable)

Section 2 Cultural freedom
a The right to be free, no slavery
b You are free to marry another and start a family
c The right to have property
d Everybody is free to participate in politics
e Everybody has the right to development them-selves.

Section 3 Legal matter
a Everyone is recognized before the law.
b Everyone has the right to below to a faction
c Everyone can go and visit public hearings
d Everyone charged with an penal offence is innocent until proven guilty by law.
e Everyone has the right to privacy
f Everyone has the right to ask for asylum of another faction
g Creators have rights to the credit of their creation

Section 4 Special cases
- Depending on race some of the rights might be applied in a different way.

[Senator Lonco Morubixaba of Skuldda]

"Let me say that I agree very much on point 2.c. Without the right on property, one cannot have its own vehicle, and without a vehicle, one cannot settle an issue in a decent civilised manner. Which brings me on point 1.c. Not everyone is equal. Somebody who is bad at racing is just inferior to somebody who is good at racing. This is a clear and distinctive indication to somebody his capabilities. Aside, on Skuldda children who come of age are submitted to a series of tests to determine their caste. Weak children come in the lower castes, while the strong and healthy in body and mind come in high castes. They are not treated equally since they are not."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

"Senator Harek, the general idea of your proposal is clear to me and I do believe this is a good start. However, there are a number of issues I see with the your proposal.

First of all section 2 article a. While I agree all sentient life should be free from slavery, in it's current form this article prevents governments from incarcerating criminals. After all when a person is locked in jail they are no longer free. I believe a suitable alternative would be to change it to: 'The right to be free from slavery and oppression.'

Second would be section 3 article d. The law doesn't prove anyone's guilty, evidence does. I propose the following alternative: 'Everyone charged with a penal offence is innocent until proven guilty by an impartial investigation and evidence according to a court of law.'

Lastly, section 2 article b. This article is in direct conflict with article a, forcing two people to stay together for the rest of their lives by legal means. What if the other doesn't wish to stay together at any point in time? What if you wish to have children with more than one person? It's a form of oppression and limits personal freedom. Besides if two people wish to stay together for the rest of their life, why would they require a legal document or a piece of jewellery to do so? Personally, I find the idea that any personal relationship would require any kind of legislation to be insulting."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"1c: I propose to remove this item from the list. This makes no sense and won't hold in the Union. Whole civilizations are based on the fact that people are different and have to work for respect and their position in society.

1d and 2a: I propose to remove these items. As Senator Kachiso Doshima pointed out this will limit the incarceration of criminals and makes no sense.

Furthermore I believe that banning slavery makes no sense. Section 1 already covers the necessary items to prevent the barbaric practices of the Hutt which are unfortunately called slavery and is mistakenly compared with the civilised cultural slavery that originated in the Veolian Commonwealth.

2b: I propose to leave this item out of the proposal as well. As Senator Kachiso Doshima stated this different in each society and we believe this is either a cultural or administrative matter that does not belong in the sentient rights.

2f: conflicts with our statement about 2a. Criminals will not have the right to ask for asylum. This is one of the reasons why this item won't hold.

Finally I would like to know what the special cases are that you talk about in section 4. Since the only way for this to make sense it to specify them. Without declaring them specifically all the other items will be continuously questioned. "

[Senator Afra Mesti Vanlind of Komès]

" Esteemed colleagues,

Even though the initiative displayed by senator Harek is commendable and the Kingdom of Komés is willing to contribute on this matter, we feel that several the statements in the declaration have far reaching consequences for various member worlds and culture groups.

The basis of the Union and the laws it chooses to enforce has always been to strengthen cooperation and peace whereby, which I find equally important, the sovereign rights and individual cultures and habits of members have been guaranteed. By elevating this initiative, and the final declaration once drafted and sufficiently discussed, into Union law we alter the foundations on which the Union was formed.

I therefore propose that instead of making the final declaration into a law, we offer it as a guideline, for individual member states to ratify. This way, we offer those worlds that do not wish to make chances will not be forced to do so.

Lastly, why are all of so blatantly disregarding a rather useful statement from the IO protocol?
Even though I'm not sure what playing with sand would accomplish, or the benefit of forced solitude, but it seems obvious that ones homeworld might be considered suitable."

[Senator Harek]

"Dear Senators,

I would like to point out that this is just a short overview and not a official legal documents. The core points are given so we can discuss them and not phrasing of the points. Because of this the nuances are lost and we have a misunderstanding about letting criminals travel freely and asking for asylum. If there is evidence that someone is guilty of a crime he will be put under arrest and is not able to travel freely anymore. Furthermore is asking for asylum one thing and acquiring it another. No faction would want to accept a murder but for example slaves will go to Silver Forests of Remunzia for asylum to be free. Everybody sentient has rights, but if he breaks the laws he forms a risk for society and some rights are restricted.

I understand that 2a en 2b are cultural dependent. But I would like for the Union to have a consensus so we can create a Union culture. This will be hard and will have consequences for everybody. For the Union as a hole I think this will be better as we will form one hole superpower and not just a lot of separate factions. I will put these points as separates options for the vote.

With the racial differences I will remove the equal part of 1c and the new short summary will be "Everybody will be respectful to each other, no discrimination".

At the moment it seems that there are no rejections on sentients rights and should therefor be made into laws and not a guideline. We want a strong Union where various factions are connected and committed to each other and not a place where every faction can do whatever he likes at the moment.

[Nehket Aeka]

"I find it interesting how the rejection of several of these rights by both the Astrian Colonial Authority and the Praetorian Empire is ignored by you, Senator Harek. The Astrian Colonial Authority clearly rejected point 2b, and the Praetorian Empire rejected 1c, 1d, 2a, and 2b. Yet you claim that there are no rejections and that this proposal for sentient's rights should be made into law.

Senator Harek, you said it yourself: before a solid proposal can be made it is better to first discuss some points in the Senate. You are right that a law on this will have far reaching consequences, yet you are already talking about 'the vote'. In fact, the consequences will be so large that we must do the responsible thing, and discuss not only the broad idea, but the nuances as well. We do not want to go to the Ministry of Justice every time a nuance in the proposal was left unclear."

"In my opinion, forcing Union members to adopt the majority culture goes against the original ideals of the Union. The Union was founded as a group of sovereign worlds that cooperate for security and mutual benefit. Over time their cultures will mingle and eventually a distinct Union culture might emerge. But if this proposal is forced on those sovereign members by law, the Union has stopped being the Union. As the senate, it is our task to prevent the Union from infringing on the sovereign rights of its constituents.

We must discuss this proposal, down to the detailed nuances, and when all representatives are satisfied with the proposal, we should accept it. Not as a law that is to be forced on the sovereign members of the Union, but as a worthy goal to strive for and eventually reach. In fact, the proposal by senator Afra Mesti Vanlind is a very good one.


I propose that instead of forcing the proposal on Union worlds we eventually put this proposal into effect as a treaty with reservations. Each Union member can then decide for themselves whether they want to ratify the treaty and bind themselves to its terms. When they do so, they can file reservations about certain articles. This way, we can all strive towards the worthy ideals of this proposal at our own speed, keeping the ideals and the spirit of the Union intact and at the same time work towards a better galaxy for everyone."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"We of the Consensus think as well that it is way too early to talk about a vote. In fact, if these rights will be forced upon us, we would most likely leave the Union. First of all, a lot of these points are very unclear. Second, we would also reject the adjusted section 1.c: 'Everybody will be respectful to each other, no discrimination.' This goes against selecting the right people for the right job. Not everybody is suitable for a job, when there is no discrimination, you cannot select the person you want by law.'

Third, we reject point 3.g. creators create for their Consults. If the Consensus is that the credit goes to the creator, than that will be done, but when the Consensus is that the credit goes to the Consult, this law prevents this perfectly fine consensus.

The points which we believe require clarification for the purpose of discussion are: points 1.g, 1.h, 1.i, 2.a, 2.b, 2.d, 2.e, 3.b and 3.e.

Furthermore, every single point need clarification to set the boundaries of these points and maybe add exceptions if required.

We are not essentially against a Union wide culture, but given the many factions and cultures within the Union, we of the Union must reach a Consensus before we can start with applying a Union wide culture. Needles to say, we of the Teprogrenaian Consensus are great supporters of trying to reach such a Consensus."

[Senator Shahkra of the Federal Republic of Bisidn]

"Senators, allow me to say that the Federal Republic of Bisidn will be against a Union wide culture. We believe that one of the strongest points of the Union is to allow each culture to develop and prosper. Making use of every faction's greatest advantages to create the biggest advantages. As the by now ancient philosopher Otalpa Servardkha once said: The best course is not to go for what is best for the individual, but to go for what is best for the individual ánd the group."

[Lord-Senator Kachiso Doshima]

"Senators, I do believe the current multiculturalism the Union possesses is something we should uphold at all costs. The weaknesses of one world are covered by the other worlds and the strengths of each add to a total greater then the sum of it's parts.

I believe the Union is a place where factions come together to cooperate as equals for the greater benefit of all. That being said, there are some practices that do not contribute to this."

The Astrian man looked around the senate.

"For even in the..." He emphasised the next word. "Enlightened version of slavery employed by the Veolian Commonwealth, is a method of subjugation. Placing one above and one below the other. If a senator holds such a position above someone of a race that is also the race of another senator or even leader of a world, how can we know that senator views the other senator as an equal and not as someone who can be subjugated and enslaved? The answer is simple: we cannot. The only way we can ensure we all can work together as equals, is to at least have all races that are part of the Union treat each other as equals. By definition slavery prevents this."

Senator Doshima paused a moment, before finishing.

"As Senator Shahkra said, the needs of the many out-way the needs of the few. If we truly wish to create a charter of the rights of all sentient beings, we will undoubtedly all need to make compromises within our own culture."

[Senator Shahkra of the Federal Republic of Bisidn]

"That is not what I said." Is all what Shahkra said.

[Nehket Aeka]

Senator Nehket Aeka remained silent after senator Shakra's remark.

She looks around the senate to get an idea of the current mood.

[Senator Harek]

"If the Senates wishes to discussion a proposal in detail I will set this up a document and bring it to the Senate at the end of this week.

It seems that there are different voices within the Senate, not only on the context but also on how to implement it. I think the best way to solve this is to hold vote on whether or not the Basic declaration of sentient rights will be make in a law or as Senator Nehket Aeka suggests a treaty which every faction can ratify for themselves."

[Lady Peinaili de Montrève]

"Senator Harek,"

the Sundarian senator stood to adress the senate after following the discussion,

"While your enthusiasm is commendable and this intend of this declaration surely has merit, I believe it is too soon to call for a vote on the matter of implication. Simply because the content and wording of the declaration is as of yet still unclear, so how am I supposed to decide which options best represents the opinion and views of the Sundarian Federation if I have no clear idea of the actual content of the proposal.

We should thus first reach a consensus on the contect of the declaration before deciding the manner upon which it is to be implemented and not, as you suggest, the other way around."

She than paused for a few moment to let her words sink in before continuing,

"On the matter of the declaration itself, we feel that the following articles in your original proposal need adjustments or clarifications:

art 1.g in combination with art 1.c: implies that everyone has the right to equal education, without regards for their station, future prospects and familial duties.

in fact art 1.c: implies that those born to higher station have the same rights as those born to a lower station (for example the nobility against the artisan class)

art 2.b and 2.c: imply that women, under the text of this declaration, have equal rights when it comes down to property, inheritance and have a say in their marital arrangements. While I applaud this initiative, I am obligated to say the majority of the Sundarian nobility will not agree with this notion.

art 2.d: again your proposal has merit, however this impact the traditional rights and privileges of the nobility and has large effects on our civilisation and governance. It will be hard to convince the political parties with the council of the benefits of this proposed right.

all articles under section 3: Our laws and ways are our own, we have no wish to create a Unionwide law which affects our own sovereignty in these matters of legal proceeds. Though several articles are interesting and I'll consider discussing them with the council."

"Lastly, I feel that outline of the declaration is a nice start, but several more articles could be added, such as the rights to observe traditional holidays and the right to maintain a private militia, the rights of the clergy to a prebend and/or other income generated from the dioceses and several more. And I'm sure others will have similar addendum's or changes they would wish to make. All in all, there is still a lot of work to be done."

[Senator Acehtoo of the Miomanian Colonists]

"I believe that a single Union civilization is already a defacto reality, and the diversity we have within the Union is part of that civilization. These postulations express, in my view, a factual observation about the morals and values we share within the Union.

I do believe some adjustment are necessary for the final wording, especially to ensure criminals can still be dealt with and to take into account some of the diversity within the Union. With those caveats, as Chancellor, I give my full support to the postulations proposed by Senator Harek."

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

"I move that the Praetorian Empire have a medical check-up on their senator, as he seems to have lost his mind. Civilized cultural slavery? What's next? Well-mannered genocide?

This proposal is no attempt to undermine the criminal justice system and you all know it isn't! This proposal is no attempt to force everyone to have the same abilities and outcomes, and you all know it isn't! This proposal is no attempt to bind people in permanent marriages and you all know it isn't!

The Silver Forests of Remunzia fully support the proposal by Senator Harek, and proposes to move it to a vote at the earliest opportunity! The time has come to show our true colours, so that we may know where nations stand. We are most curious to know which nations are champions of freedom, of equality and of brotherhood, and which nations are the destructive forces of oppression, tyranny, and animosity.

In ending slavery, there can be no in between, no neutrality, no compromise. The time has come to pick a side - are you with the side of freedom? For if you are not, you are with the side of tyranny!"

[Senator Harek]

"Dear Senators, I hereby present the concept Declaration of sentients rights. I have tried to incorporate as much of your feedback so far. The article about freedom is placed after the article about penalties when violation laws, so this prohibits criminals from fleeing.

Declaration of sentients rights

Article 1.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or intergalactic status of the faction or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 2.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 3.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 4.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 5.
Before the law all without any discrimination are protected. All are entitled to protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 6.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 7.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 8.
Everyone is entitled in full fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 9.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or intergalactic law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 10.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 11.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each faction.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any world, including his own, and to return to his world.

Article 12.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other factions asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the Union.

Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 15.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 16.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 18.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and intergalactic co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each faction, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 19.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 20.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, death, disability, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Parenthood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 22.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the sentients personality and to the strengthening of respect for sentients rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all worlds, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the Union for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children. When the child is old enough it can choose for themselves.

Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 24.
Everyone is entitled to a social and intergalactic order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 25.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the Union.

Article 26.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any Faction, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

Article 27.
Depending on race some of the rights might be applied in a different way. The following acceptations are in order:

Different opinion Articles

Article X1.
All sentients beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article X2.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

[Nehket Aeka]

"Senator Harek, I commend you on the effort put into this proposal. It is a well-written position that clearly outlines the Hiocan cultural values and morality."

"Would you be so kind as to inform the senate which articles belong to which numbered items in the short overview you presented earlier? This will greatly ease the discussion of the proposal and the implied morality you propose for all Union members."

[Senator Danar Tassar]

"Senators, We of the Consensus believe that the way this proposal tries to adhere to sentient rights is not the way we of the Senate should want it. We of the Consensus believe that instead of focussing on sentient rights, this proposal will mainly meddle with the culture and internal affairs of every Union member.

Therefore the sandbox proposal from the IO seems a better starting point. Every home system of a faction can be declared as a sandbox environment for a species native to that system."