Feyrisshire wrote:Curiously this replacement doesn't really solve the problems outlined in the current repeal at vote, which are the liberal and broad definition of "harm", the broad category of individuals accorded rights to free assembly extending to criminals, and the problem of protests "blocking the route of emergency vehicles".
OOC: The term "harm" is never used in this draft, save for the phrase "harmful activities," for which a clear-cut definition is provided inside the proposal (hopefully? if you have specific feedback as to how that could be improved that would be wonderful).
The problem with GA#27 re: giving criminals the right to freely assemble becomes clear from looking at its language:
1.) All individuals shall have the right to peacefully assemble, associate, and protest to promote, pursue, and express any goal, cause, or view.
2.) No Government, Federal Authority, Corporation, or any other political or social group may take any action to infringe upon these rights; unless the individuals organizing are trespassing on private property and/or if circumstances beyond the control of the Government threaten the safety of those organizing.
We tried to address this by being careful with our own language - clause 1 stop member states from taking punitive action against any individual
for planning, assisting, or participating ... etc. (i.e. as opposed to simply stopping them from taking punitive action against any individual planning etc., which would create a similar loophole to that in GA#27 about criminals trying to evade justice). Furthermore, the exception for "unlawful action" in 3.b. makes it possible for law enforcement to intervene when criminals are involved if necessary.
Likewise, that exception would permit the clearing of emergency services' path if a protest is blocking it/would block it. It is commonplace for the obstruction of emergency services to be a crime IRL, or even just the obstruction of traffic in general.