[PASSED] Reproductive Freedoms

[Eireann Fae]

"As suggestions are not the most forthcoming on this effort, we have decided to Submit this proposal. Were it not for the looming threat of Martin Russell's efforts against the protections we seek to provide with this proposal, we would cheerfully have waited several weeks - or months - longer, but we can not allow him to jump the gun and poison the well as he did with the previous iteration of this ideal."

"Regional delegates that opposed the repeal effort of On Abortion who still hold their office will have ravens sent to them bearing a letter from our Minister for Diplomacy, co-signed by Emissary Epiſkœ, imploring you to support our endeavours here. We have already received word that some of the ravens have flown upon closed windows^†, which is of course your prerogative, but we ask that you at least tend to the birds so they may recover and return home. Thank you."

^† Delegates that ignore campaign telegrams :p It should also be noted that I'm doing this without script or stamp, and manually writing in region names in the TG's header. That has to count for something, right?

[Pacifist Chipmunks]

^† Delegates that ignore campaign telegrams It should also be noted that I'm doing this without script or stamp, and manually writing in region names in the TG's header. That has to count for something, right?

Back in the day you had to type each telegram by hand, while walking in the snow, uphill, both ways...

[/geezer voice]

[Eireann Fae]

Epiſkœ, probably one of the oldest creatures to grace the Assembly^†, puffs up her chest and makes what sounds like quite the boast. Rowan giggles and offers a translation: "Back in her day, the few of you silly Humans that knew written languages were dipping feathers in ink, scribbling on skins and parchment and sending the messages on the backs of horses!"

^† She's 1,347.

[Aligned Planets]

Jaresh-Inyo rises, surprisingly not yet in a drunken stupor but reeling nonetheless from the night before, to address the assembly.

"Honourable members and my esteemed colleague, the ambassador for Eireann Fae, I regret not stepping into this debate earlier.

Our position here in Aligned Planets has always been one of choice; we support the individual's right to decide. This has been enshrined within constitutional principles pre-dating the formation of the United Federation and continues to form a cornerstone of civil liberty and personal freedom. The ideals and rights set out in Reproductive Freedoms resonates well with those of our own citizens and has been well received by President Roslin's Council."

Jaresh-Inyo paused, sucking his teeth. He was old enough to remember the dark times in the wake of Emperor Tiberius, when he had supported the-then Fleet Admiral in her rallying call to restore order and oust the corrupt dictator. Records long purged are hazy about the events in the weeks and months after the overthrow of Tiberius and before the re-establishment of the United Federation Council, but he remembered.

He remembered the population, decimated by decades of purges and internal warfare, and the United Federation itself projected to collapse within 240 years. He remembered submitting to Fleet Admiral Roslin that the empire was illogical because it could not endure, and that she was herself illogical to be a willing part of it. Logic had gone out of the window in those early days: one of Roslin's most criticised edicts was the executive order that any interference with the birth of a child, be it the birth-giver or the medical practitioner, would be punishable by law. Those dark days had passed, and the United Federation Charter on Civil Liberties and the Constitution had been re-enacted.

"The Seventh Guarantee is one of the most important rights granted by the United Federation. We cannot take a fundamental principle of the Constitution and turn it against a citizen. We believe in a system of ordered liberty in which the government cannot overrule the freedom of the individual in matters of personal conscience. Citizens who oppose abortions cannot be forced to have them, and citizens who disagree are free to decide the issue for themselves. Take away privacy and freedom of choice? There are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy: 'With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied - chains us all irrevocably.'"

He paused, remembering the principle which had resulted in the overthrow of that initial Roslin administration and the reintroduction of civil liberties. 'the individual's rights will be protected only so long as they don't conflict with the state.' Nothing is so dangerous to a society.

However, we are concerned about the proposal's ability to allow member states to permit abortions at extreme late stages, including - though unlikely - up to before the moment of birth itself. Whilst we recognise the sovereign right of member states to determine when life begins, we are concerned that this is not covered by the draft. The proposal encourages alternatives to abortion to permit live-birth when safe, but does this go far enough? What if a mother decides to abort, although the baby could have been delivered perfectly healthily (or removed via fetal-transport, caesarian, etc)?

As stated, I really wish to support this motion - could the honourable delegate, Eirann Fae, soothe our concerns in a way that we have missed?

[Bananaistan]

However, we are concerned about the proposal's ability to allow member states to permit abortions at extreme late stages, including - though unlikely - up to before the moment of birth itself. Whilst we recognise the sovereign right of member states to determine when life begins, we are concerned that this is not covered by the draft. The proposal encourages alternatives to abortion to permit live-birth when safe, but does this go far enough? What if a mother decides to abort, although the baby could have been delivered perfectly healthily (or removed via fetal-transport, caesarian, etc)?

As stated, I really wish to support this motion - could the honourable delegate, Eirann Fae, soothe our concerns in a way that we have missed?

Ambassador Hornwood rises to address the assembly and Ambassador Jaresh-Inyo:

It is our belief Ambassador that the resolution is specifically worded in such a way as to disallow any interference with abortions including by the state restricting late term abortions. Any dilution of this principle in the resolution, any such move to permit people to force a woman to use her body to sustain another life form against her wishes would surely be the "first link in the chain"?

Ambassador Hornwood sits down. Beside him sits President Clayhanger, who rarely leaves the capital, and now rises to address the assembly:

Honoured delegates, ambassadors and government leaders; we have before us in the coming days and weeks, a substantial and real opportunity to strike a blow for women's freedoms and equality between the sexes. I stand here today in person, to give all possible weight to Bananaistan's support for this resolution. Throughout Bananaistan, each political party, the Supreme Congress of People's Deputies, the National Assembly, the Council of Ministers, the whole apparatus of state, many and varied civil lobby groups, and the vast majority of the ordinary people of Bananaistan, all these manifold groups stand united today in the hope that the international community will grasp this opportunity. Politics and politicians have no place in the uterus and any woman and I hope the majority of delegates will join us in casting a vote to firmly tell all these politicians to leave us and our uteruses alone.

[The Saint James Islands]

Well I've already responded to the telegram that the honourable delegation of Eireann Fae had sent and I appreciated the effort and discernment of the mission in the telegram. (I still have it, instead of summarily deleting the telegram as I usually do.) My delegation is in full SUPPORT of this proposal's aims and we sincerely hope that this reaches quorum.

John Laughton-Hartley
Saint Jamesian Ambassador to the World Assembly
World Assembly Delegate of the Democratic Socialist Assembly

[ALMF]

Endorsed

[Eireann Fae]

Rowan smiles in appreciation as Ambassador Jaresh-Inyo speaks in favour of personal freedoms, particularly in how they are reflected in her delegation's proposal. The girl nods in understanding as he voices his concern, and, hoping it will not cost the support of the Aligned Planets, responds. "Sir Theodorus spoke true, Ambassador, when he said that this proposal would not interfere with an individual terminating their pregnancy even in the twilight of the term. We want it noted that late-term abortions are exceedingly rare, and when they do happen, there is almost always an exceptionally good reason for them. It is our sincere hope that member nations may be successful in encouraging the individual to deliver the child live when possible, but it is our firm position that the final decision should still rest solely with the individual and their healthcare providers. We appreciate your nation's love of liberty, and hope that this interpretation of the proposal does not cost us your support."

The young delegate smiles in turn at the ambassadors from Bananaistan, ALMF, and The Saint James Islands. Her gaze resting on the last, she nods in appreciation of his kind words. "We are pleased you appreciated the content and format of our diplomatic telegram, Ambassador Laughton-Hartley. It was our first effort at such an endeavour, and we are touched to hear that it was so well-received."

[Aligned Planets]

It is our sincere hope that member nations may be successful in encouraging the individual to deliver the child live when possible, but it is our firm position that the final decision should still rest solely with the individual and their healthcare providers."

Attempting a smile through his wizened face, Jaresh-Inyo leaned forwards on his ornate cane and grimaced out into the vast assembly hall.

This is the clarifier we were looking for from the honourable delegate for Eireann Fae. We are very happy to lend our support for quoracy, and we look forward to voting in favour of the resolution when it reaches the floor.

[Retired WerePenguins]

We are absolutely and positively against this absolute and complete legalization of abortion in any manner whatsoever. This was one of the reasons we strongly opposed the repeal of "Reduction of Abortion Act" because we knew that someone would attempt to extend the wholesale slaughter and torture of soon to be born infants because of their only crime being in the womb!

No consideration is given to the current state of fetal viability.
No consideration is given whatsoever to the ability of pre-born infants of advanced age to experience pain.

The Encourages clause is a fig leaf designed to make this resolution seem moderate, but it has no effect and no power.

[Auralia]

The Encourages clause is a fig leaf designed to make this resolution seem moderate, but it has no effect and no power.

The Encourages clause might actually make the proposal illegal. Member nations are already obliged to "permit live delivery of offspring," so long as the pregnant individual wishes it. To do otherwise - that is to say, to deny live delivery of offspring - would be forced abortion. The clause implies that forced abortion could be legal in certain cases, which might be illegal for contradiction.

[Eireann Fae]

The girls look at each other as the delegate from Retired WerePenguins speaks his piece. "Dude, didn't you warn Niobe not to send him the letter?"

"Apologies, I thought you were handling that..." Rowan sheepishly turns her attention to the man. "We are sorry to have troubled you, Ambassador Black. You are correct in your assertion that the terminal clause is not binding, but please do not believe that intention to deceive or mislead conservative delegates played any part in its inclusion. We have been quite straightforward as regards to our aims with this proposal from the beginning. If it is any consolation, though, our diplomatic office has sent hundreds of ravens, and yet as it stands our proposal has less than fifty approvals. You are likely not alone in your manner of opposition to the repeal of On Abortion..."

The girl grits her teeth as an all-too-familiar voice grinds against her nerves. "Now you are simply grasping at straws, Martin Russell. On Abortion already disallows forced abortions, and the terminal clause in our proposed legislation does nothing to change that. In fact, an earlier clause reinforces the ban on forced abortions by explicitly defining abortion as a medical procedure, and thus receiving all the rights and protections afforded by the Patient's Rights Act."

"Also, weren't you kindly asked to fuck off?" Alexandra makes a rather rude gesture at the Auralian ambassador. It it clearer now than ever that Rowan is quite annoyed, as she neither laughs nor admonishes her colleague at the action, apparently taking it to be seriously deserved.

[Eireann Fae]

"So..." Alexandra wonders aloud, "what are the odds on getting those last two approvals in the next five hours?"

"Why? Are you taking bets?"

"Thinkin' 'bout it. Where's your money?"

"Alex, you know I do not possess currency."

"That's not... Nevermind."

(OOC: C'mon, just two more!)

[The Dark Star Republic]

OOC: Looks like you made it. Just when the queue was finally clear...3 come along at once.

[Aligned Planets]

Congratulations Eireann Fae!

[Eireann Fae]

"Yes!" Rowan's jubilant cry fills the chamber as she grabs Alex's hands and dances around in a circle, the diminutive Epiſkœ arcing between and around them, showering the excited girls with shimmering pixie dust. "We made quorum!" the two sing in unison, "We made quorum! We made quorum!"

"Now for a token of our appreciation," comes a new voice, emanating from a woman who looks to be in her thirties, pushing a cart into the chamber. She is dark-skinned with striking blue eyes and raven-black hair that falls in waves and curls down her back. She is wearing a black leather jacket and matching pants over some simple, but stylish, leather flats. Accompanying her is a Faerie of an indigo hue with bright blue eyes.

The woman centres the cart at the front of the chamber, and addresses the delegates gathered. "Milþiköpa," she says, gesturing to the other new arrival, "our Minister for Diplomacy, would like to thank each of the delegates that helped refine our nation's proposal and voted to get it to quorum. To that end, she has provided the Strangers' Bar with five ounces of gold to cover tabs for everybody that helped make this possible. Also, as is our custom, we offer these treats," she gestures to the cart, laden with delicious little sweet cakes, "which we understand Rowan has described as Faerie Cookies. Please, help yourselves!"

"In addition, a dozen such treats and a bottle of fine honeywine have been sent to each of the delegates representing the following nations: McMasterdonia, Mikeswill, Servoth, The United Workers Federation, Unemployable Idiots, Mousebumples, Greater Empireonius, Hicdarr, Umbra Ac Silentium, Aligned Planets, Applebania, Felandos, The Saint James Islands, Hai Jin Lao, ALMF, The Ancient Republic of the Thunder, Marhoulia, Eastern Vermont, Moronist Decisions, Baharestan, The United Remnants of America, Chwopalop, The Islands of Guacamole, Carenina, Prichardstan, Boreo, Dooom35796821595, Grofazland, Zandalari, Isles of the United Armed Forces, Stormwind-City, BoltonLand, The Silverlake Union, The Republic of the Empire of Britain, Raurosia, Republic Defense Army, Hittanryan, The Enclave Government, Gradyana, Logannaria, Gowai, United Nations of Earth Federation, Dainami, Conoga, Leprechaun union, Vandelstein, Jenesia, People Who Say Ni, Chicken Gumbo, Awkwardiga, United Provinces II, Tasty Water, Republic of Slovsko, Ylang, Byrnez, Bilwania, Jennwaya, Kecoughtan Tribe, Kanatistan, Greater Istanistan, The New Jewish State of Sivania, Webus, Sense makers, Findhorn, Trektopolis, Super-Llamaland, Sateria, The Democratic States of Khazakia, Jydara, ASEAN, DeGrenierbyn, Byritannia, Lord Neo, Anime Daisuki, North East Somerset, Yackandandah Republic, ATC Nation, Ertae, and Tanou."

"Remember that it is not too late for regional delegates to add their own support and strengthen our proposal's standing on the floor! The honeywine is excellent, and well worth the cost of an approving vote!" The woman takes a seat with the rest of Eireann Fae's representatives, smiling at her young colleagues' beaming faces. In response to a quiet question, Alex opens a small leather pouch she wears around her neck and extracts some fine herb, which broadens the older woman's smile. Epiſkœ and Milþiköpa embrace, then chat quietly as some of the delegates head for the bar or the cart laden with sweets.

[Elke and Elba]

"Yes!" Rowan's jubilant cry fills the chamber as she grabs Alex's hands and dances around in a circle, the diminutive Epiſkœ arcing between and around them, showering the excited girls with shimmering pixie dust. "We made quorum!" the two sing in unison, "We made quorum! We made quorum!"

"Now for a token of our appreciation," comes a new voice, emanating from a woman who looks to be in her thirties, pushing a cart into the chamber. She is dark-skinned with striking blue eyes and raven-black hair that falls in waves and curls down her back. She is wearing a black leather jacket and matching pants over some simple, but stylish, leather flats. Accompanying her is a Faerie of an indigo hue with bright blue eyes.

The woman centres the cart at the front of the chamber, and addresses the delegates gathered. "Milþiköpa," she says, gesturing to the other new arrival, "our Minister for Diplomacy, would like to thank each of the delegates that helped refine our nation's proposal and voted to get it to quorum. To that end, she has provided the Strangers' Bar with five ounces of gold to cover tabs for everybody that helped make this possible. Also, as is our custom, we offer these treats," she gestures to the cart, laden with delicious little sweet cakes, "which we understand Rowan has described as Faerie Cookies. Please, help yourselves!"

"In addition, a dozen such treats and a bottle of fine honeywine have been sent to each of the delegates representing the following nations: McMasterdonia, Mikeswill, Servoth, The United Workers Federation, Unemployable Idiots, Mousebumples, Greater Empireonius, Hicdarr, Umbra Ac Silentium, Aligned Planets, Applebania, Felandos, The Saint James Islands, Hai Jin Lao, ALMF, The Ancient Republic of the Thunder, Marhoulia, Eastern Vermont, Moronist Decisions, Baharestan, The United Remnants of America, Chwopalop, The Islands of Guacamole, Carenina, Prichardstan, Boreo, Dooom35796821595, Grofazland, Zandalari, Isles of the United Armed Forces, Stormwind-City, BoltonLand, The Silverlake Union, The Republic of the Empire of Britain, Raurosia, Republic Defense Army, Hittanryan, The Enclave Government, Gradyana, Logannaria, Gowai, United Nations of Earth Federation, Dainami, Conoga, Leprechaun union, Vandelstein, Jenesia, People Who Say Ni, Chicken Gumbo, Awkwardiga, United Provinces II, Tasty Water, Republic of Slovsko, Ylang, Byrnez, Bilwania, Jennwaya, Kecoughtan Tribe, Kanatistan, Greater Istanistan, The New Jewish State of Sivania, Webus, Sense makers, Findhorn, Trektopolis, Super-Llamaland, Sateria, The Democratic States of Khazakia, Jydara, ASEAN, DeGrenierbyn, Byritannia, Lord Neo, Anime Daisuki, North East Somerset, Yackandandah Republic, ATC Nation, Ertae, and Tanou."

"Remember that it is not too late for regional delegates to add their own support and strengthen our proposal's standing on the floor! The honeywine is excellent, and well worth the cost of an approving vote!" The woman takes a seat with the rest of Eireann Fae's representatives, smiling at her young colleagues' beaming faces. In response to a quiet question, Alex opens a small leather pouch she wears around her neck and extracts some fine herb, which broadens the older woman's smile. Epiſkœ and Milþiköpa embrace, then chat quietly as some of the delegates head for the bar or the cart laden with sweets.

Ambassador - I've to warn you beforehand. Some of these nations will bite back at you during voting. I had several countries take my darn goodies for approving and then voting against.

Bastards - I'd say.

[Eireann Fae]

Epiſkœ offers a response, which Rowan helpfully translates, "We are aware that not every delegate voting to approve of a proposal will support it when the popular vote begins. We respect those delegates that sincerely represent their regions and vote as their constituents would have them vote. We hope to maintain their support throughout the legislative process, but we will understand if they ultimately vote against us."

The other Faerie speaks up with a wink and a smile, and the older woman happily translates, "It should be known, however, that we can provide a river of honeywine and a mountain of Faerie Cookies in celebration should our proposal be passed into law!"

[The Dark Star Republic]

Epiſkœ offers a response, which Rowan helpfully translates, "We are aware that not every delegate voting to approve of a proposal will support it when the popular vote begins. We respect those delegates that sincerely represent their regions and vote as their constituents would have them vote. We hope to maintain their support throughout the legislative process, but we will understand if they ultimately vote against us."

"Indeed."

A voice that hasn't been heard for quite some time pipes up: Samantha Benson, now employed at the lawfirm of NSWA Laywers following the Catastrophe*, has wandered down to try to steal a few Fairy Biscuits, hoping to distract their bakers with boring tales of the NSUN that send everyone to sleep.

"When we served as region delegates, we would commonly approve proposals we thought deserved a fair hearing at the WA, even if we were opposed or undecided. Had we an approval to offer now, we would have given it for this proposal - and had we a vote to cast, we would then have placed it against this proposal, which despite our own sympathies for the cause simply goes too far for us to believe it will be useful, and indeed, not actively harmful. Nonetheless, we respect the drafting work and opinions of its supporters, and think it deserves its chance."

She is about to explain further - Quintessence of Dust's policy on abortion was never fully established, as they joined the UN after Abortion Legality Convention passed but left the WA before On Abortion passed - when she sees her chance, snatching a handful of cookies and running off laughing in tones suggesting all that work on the latest important NSWA Lawyers case - they're suing the makers of the Model WA Simulator 3000 computer game, as the licensing on the product name expired following the repeal of "A Model World Assembly" - is starting to take its toll on the stateless former diplomat.

-- Samantha Benson
Former Manager, The Preludin Lounge
Counsel, NSWA Lawyers

* OOC: The "Catastrophe" is, ICly, the repeal of the WA Economic Union, but OOCly, the C&C mess, which led to the resignation of Quintessence of Dust from the delegacy of Wysteria, their departure from WA affairs, and ultimately their being forced from their region and therefore CTEing.

[ALMF]

2 hours left and still needing 1 aprovle this will come down to the wire

[Elke and Elba]

Oh the flying flutes.

Your cookies...

My dear Alex, you need two more approvals now in two hours. ALMF was right. Meanwhile, let me enjoy the cookies before you seize them back from all of us.

-Ambassador Norrland

[Mousebumples]

2 hours left and still needing 1 aprovle this will come down to the wire

And now 2 approvals left. Me thinks that there's a counter campaign on-going. *wonders what the text of said TG says*

[Elke and Elba]

2 hours left and still needing 1 aprovle this will come down to the wire

And now 2 approvals left. Me thinks that there's a counter campaign on-going. *wonders what the text of said TG says*

Three now.

I guess it must be an Auralian job. His proposal failed the mod-check earlier today, after all.

[The Dark Star Republic]

OOC: Kind of shits on my telling Ardchoille that unapproval campaigns never work...To get 3 to drop in such a short space of time is fairly impressive!

[Elke and Elba]

OOC: Kind of shits on my telling Ardchoille that unapproval campaigns never work...To get 3 to drop in such a short space of time is fairly impressive!

OOC: The world's unpredictable. If approval campaigns work (*coughcoughMolsoniacoughcough*) - we should be expecting the reverse should, too.