Human Rights
We support the rights of all people regardless of age,
race, gender, disability, language, religious preference,
ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, or any other
group designation. We advocate equal opportunity, equal
justice under the law, and the right to adequate housing,
employment, self-determination, respect, dignity, and
participation in decision-making processes.
Many current history books and curricula present a racist
viewpoint. Too often, our written histories are negatively
inaccurate and our schools fail to present accurately (or
even address) issues of minority races. For example, the
popular presentation of the "discovery" of American is
inaccurate and distorted. We oppose the U.S. (and Missouri)
celebrations of Columbus Day and the "discovery of America,"
as a representation of racism.
Racial Equality:
Denying the rights of others because of
race, ethnic background, or the pigmentation of one's skin
cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. We call for all
people in government (elected or appointed) to make a
conscious effort to neutralize past discrimination when
making decisions that affect the use of public resources and
institutions. We call for campaigns and strategies to
increase the numbers of people of color in all skilled
professions. We support proportional representation of
people of color in government positions and in our own party
that reflects the numbers in our population and party. We
encourage the continuation of all efforts to enhance the
positive images of people of color in the media and
educational systems.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities:
We believe that
people with disabilities have the right to live
independently in the community and are their own best
advocates for securing active involvement in the social and
economic mainstream of life. We support changes in Medicaid
and other current policies that force disabled citizens into
costly state-funded institutions and prevent in-home
supportive services.
Children's Rights and Issues:
Traditionally, women and
children were considered to be property of the father.
Today, women have become emancipated--at least legally--but
the rights of children are still abused in the name of the
parental rights and family autonomy. Children are our
future and the future of a society that values children is
much brighter than that of a society that does not.
We advocate a comprehensive system that addresses the
needs of children and recognizes children as valued
citizens. The basis for such a system is the recognition of
the basic rights of all children including the rights to
have a healthy, safe environment and a good education so
that they can develop their full unique potentials.
We support the recognition of the rights of children to
participate in the decisions that affect their lives. We
encourage children to be responsible to the extent of their
level of ability.
Indigenous People - The Native Americans:
We recognize
the sovereignty of all Native American nations and the
historical contribution of their laws to principles of
participatory democracy. We acknowledge their contribution
of the concept of consensus. We support the preservation
and reinstatement of traditional cultures and practices,
because they embody a wealth of spiritual and ecological
concepts that can help us to live more harmoniously with the
land and one another. We recognize that constitutional
rights such as religious freedom belong to all Americans
including Native Americans and we are committed to abolish
practices and policies that have forced Native American
spiritual practices underground.
Sexual Orientation:
We support civil right protections
for all persons whatever their actual or perceived sexual
orientation. We support legislation and regulations that
prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public
accommodations. We specifically call for the repeal of that
part of the Missouri Sexual Misconduct Statute that
criminalizes same-sex conduct among consenting adults, even
in the privacy of their own homes. (566.090.1(3) RSMO)
Ageism:
In a sustainable, just society, all citizens
have the right to realize their full potentials and
participate fully in community life according to their
abilities. Discrimination based solely on chronological age
is not acceptable. Retirement could be seen as a choice
rather than a requirement. Ample opportunities can be made
available to older citizens to participate in economic life
or provide community service as they choose.
While avoiding discrimination, we must provide for the
social and physical needs of all citizens including our
older citizens. Public funding of community- based support
services encourages the highest degrees of independence,
dignity, and choices for the elderly.
We support:
- The rights of all peoples regardless of age, race,
gender, disability, language, religious preference, ethnic
or national origin, sexual orientation, or any other group
designation.
- Conscious efforts by all persons in government to
neutralize or remove the effects of past discrimination
against people of color.
- Seeking proportional representation of people of color
in public offices according to their proportion in the
population.
- Present and future programs that remove the physical
barriers to the achievement of the full potentials of people
with disabilities.
- Programs and policies that improve the quality of life
and allow for maximum community participation of people with
disabilities.
- A comprehensive system for children that assures that
the needs of all children are met.
- Family planning that helps to assure that every child is
a wanted child.
- The political recognition of the rights of children.
- Programs that help parents to fulfill their
responsibilities to their children including care and
education.
- Designating Native American ancestral burial grounds and
historical sites as protected zones.
- The protection of guaranteed constitutional rights for
Native Americans including the freedom to practice Native
American religions.
- Reconsideration of Native American claims to lands
illegally taken by the United States government.
- A critical analysis and revision of history books and
curricula used in our public schools to remove racist bias
and accurately portray indigenous cultures and their
relationships with European peoples.
- An end to the celebration of Columbus Day.
- Legislation and regulations that prohibit discrimination
based on sexual orientation.
- The repeal of the Missouri Sexual Misconduct Statute
that criminalizes same-sex conduct among consenting adults.
- Legislation and regulations to end mandatory retirement
and other forms of age-related discrimination.
- Policies that allow older citizens to have flexible work
schedules and gradual phased-in retirements.
- Programs that provide opportunities to older citizens
for community service (particularly in education, literacy
programs, and child care) and community leadership.
- Public funding of community-based support services for
older citizens to avoid unnecessary nursing home placements,
including home visiting services, community centers with
food services, neighborhood health clinics, and hospice
care.
Go to Green Party of Missouri home page.
Go to Green Parties of
North America.
Formatted by C. L. Spitzer.
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