[NSGS] Elizia Constitutional Convention

[Arkolon]

Abdul Razman politely asks the delegates not to defame anyone or anything during the Constitutional Convention. He also, again politely, asks for a delegate to submit a second Bill of Rights, so we don't go into Day 10 with just one.

[Skyviolia]

"I would like to present an issue with day ten, Mr. Razman, I do not think that it is enough to vote on all 9 sections of the Constitution in just one day. Based on my calculations (72h/9sec), the voting time for each bill is eight hours. (OOC: Mind you that people live in different time zones. Someone could be awake when voting and someone could be asleep. A think that the majority of people will NOT be able to vote on each section.) I do not think that the set time is enough. Because of this, I motion that we have 24 hours to vote on every single section, thus extending the last day to 216 hours, to allow all Senators to vote on the proposal without rushing themselves

(OOC: I'm using 24 because that is (historically) how long it took us to vote on a bill)

[Arkolon]

Mr Razman tells the delegate that the voting on Day 10 will be already divided into 9 different sections so that the ballot paper has 9 different sections with multiple choice boxes to tick, so this isn't an issue.

[Skyviolia]

Mr Razman tells the delegate that the voting on Day 10 will be already divided into 9 different sections so that the ballot paper has 9 different sections with multiple choice boxes to tick, so this isn't an issue.

"Thank you for your clarification, Mr. Razman I withdraw my motion"

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

"Mr. Razman, I would like to motion for an additional 12 hours* of debate on a potential Bill of Rights. I offer my sincerest apologies that the Bill of Rights I have been working on with Senator Chiu is not yet complete (although it is certainly nearing completion), but the Senator and I have been thorough in our writing, and this additional twelve hours of debate is key to allowing a full debate of the two Bills of Rights that shall be at hand."

*Real-life hours, to be clear.

[Argentarino]

"Mr. Razman, I would like to motion for an additional 12 hours* of debate on a potential Bill of Rights. I offer my sincerest apologies that the Bill of Rights I have been working on with Senator Chu is not yet complete (although it is certainly nearing completion), but the Senator and I have been thorough in our writing, and this additional twelve hours of debate is key to allowing a full debate of the two Bills of Rights that shall be at hand."

*Real-life hours, to be clear.

"I second the proposed motion."

[Collatis]

"Mr. Razman, I would like to motion for an additional 12 hours* of debate on a potential Bill of Rights. I offer my sincerest apologies that the Bill of Rights I have been working on with Senator Chu is not yet complete (although it is certainly nearing completion), but the Senator and I have been thorough in our writing, and this additional twelve hours of debate is key to allowing a full debate of the two Bills of Rights that shall be at hand."

*Real-life hours, to be clear.

"I second the proposed motion."

"I third the motion."

[Skyviolia]

Mr. President, I would like to again amend my proposed bill of rights. Spelling and formating errors were fixed as well as a clause on education was added -

§1 – General Statement

1. We fully recognize that all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as their fellow citizen.
2. We affirm that all persons within the jurisdiction of the nation of Elizia shall be granted the rights offered at the behest of this Bill of Rights.
3. We affirm that all men and women are equal before government, and that no man shall be put above the other.
4. We acknowledge that all men and women shall be granted the basic right to life, liberty, and freedom.

§2 – Rights of Expression
1. All persons shall be granted the right to the free exercise of religion, and the pursuit of faith, conscious, or creed. Provided that the exercise does not hinder the rights of others or violate the free exercise of others.
................1a. Elizia shall practice separation between religion and state. Government may not, under any circumstances, profess a state religion, or hinder the free practice of faith, or lake thereof. No religious law shall be implemented.
2. All persons shall be granted the right to the free expression of speech in any media, and the right to peacefully assemble, petition, and express criticism without fear of government reprisal provided that the medium does not compromise public or personal safety.

§3 – Body, Work and the Property
1. No person may be forced into slavery or bondage, or be forced to join the armed forces. No person may be forced to house soldiers during either times of war or peace.
2. All persons shall have the right to bodily integrity and shall have protection against bodily harm. All persons shall be free to decide the use of their bodies.
3. All persons, shall be permitted in attaining property, regardless of gender, race or nationality.
4. Persons shall be protected from searches and seizures and shall not be required to comply with them unless a legal warrant is issued signed by a judge.
4. All persons shall be granted the right to an a free education until they complete twelve years of education. No person may deprive a child of education.


§4 – Judicial Rights
1. All persons shall be guaranteed the right to an attorney or legal representation within any court or legal proceeding.
2. All persons shall be protected from self incrimination. No person may be forced to testify before a court of law if testifying means self incrimination.
3. All persons shall have the right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of twelve.
4. No person may be subject to cruel and unusual punishment.
5. All persons shall have the right to appeal to a higher court.

§5 – Other rights
1. Persons shall still enjoy rights granted outside of the Constitution.
2. Rights of citizens shall apply on all levels of governance, whether national or local.

[The Grene Knyght]

Mr. President, I would like to again amend my proposed bill of rights. Spelling and formating errors were fixed as well as a clause on education was added -

§1 – General Statement

1. We fully recognize that all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as his fellow countrymen.
2. We affirm that all persons within the jurisdiction of the nation of Elizia shall be granted the rights offered at the behest of this Bill of Rights.
3. We affirm that all men and women are equal before government, and that no man shall be put above the other.
4. We acknowledge that all men and women shall be granted the basic right to life, liberty, and freedom.

§2 – Rights of Expression
1. All persons shall be granted the right to the free exercise of religion, and the pursuit of faith, conscious, or creed. Provided that the exercise does not hinder the rights of others or violate the free exercise of others.
................1a. Elizia shall practice separation between religion and state. Government may not, under any circumstances, profess a state religion, or hinder the free practice of faith, or lake thereof. No religious law shall be implemented.
2. All persons shall be granted the right to the free expression of speech in any media, and the right to peacefully assemble, petition, and express criticism without fear of government reprisal provided that the medium does not compromise public or personal safety.

§3 – Body, Work and the Property
1. No person may be forced into slavery or bondage, or be forced to join the armed forces. No person may be forced to house soldiers during either times of war or peace.
2. All persons shall have the right to bodily integrity and shall have protection against bodily harm. All persons shall be free to decide the use of their bodies.
3. All persons, shall be permitted in attaining property, regardless of gender, race or nationality.
4. Persons shall be protected from searches and seizures and shall not be required to comply with them unless a legal warrant is issued signed by a judge.
4. All persons shall be granted the right to an a free education until they complete twelve years of education. No person may deprive a child of education.


§4 – Judicial Rights
1. All persons shall be guaranteed the right to an attorney or legal representation within any court or legal proceeding.
2. All persons shall be protected from self incrimination. No person may be forced to testify before a court of law if testifying means self incrimination.
3. All persons shall have the right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of twelve.
4. No person may be subject to cruel and unusual punishment.
5. All persons shall have the right to appeal to a higher court.

§5 – Other rights
1. Persons shall still enjoy rights granted outside of the Constitution.
2. Rights of citizens shall apply on all levels of governance, whether national or local.

Senator Greanihte speaks up: "Senator Nugati, there is a glaring issue with your proposal. Rights such as "all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as his fellow countrymen" extend only to men. Whether or not this was your intention, it severely weakens our constitution. Furthermore, I motion that you remove all gendered language from the bill."

[Skyviolia]

Mr. President, I would like to again amend my proposed bill of rights. Spelling and formating errors were fixed as well as a clause on education was added -

§1 – General Statement

1. We fully recognize that all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as his fellow countrymen.
2. We affirm that all persons within the jurisdiction of the nation of Elizia shall be granted the rights offered at the behest of this Bill of Rights.
3. We affirm that all men and women are equal before government, and that no man shall be put above the other.
4. We acknowledge that all men and women shall be granted the basic right to life, liberty, and freedom.

§2 – Rights of Expression
1. All persons shall be granted the right to the free exercise of religion, and the pursuit of faith, conscious, or creed. Provided that the exercise does not hinder the rights of others or violate the free exercise of others.
................1a. Elizia shall practice separation between religion and state. Government may not, under any circumstances, profess a state religion, or hinder the free practice of faith, or lake thereof. No religious law shall be implemented.
2. All persons shall be granted the right to the free expression of speech in any media, and the right to peacefully assemble, petition, and express criticism without fear of government reprisal provided that the medium does not compromise public or personal safety.

§3 – Body, Work and the Property
1. No person may be forced into slavery or bondage, or be forced to join the armed forces. No person may be forced to house soldiers during either times of war or peace.
2. All persons shall have the right to bodily integrity and shall have protection against bodily harm. All persons shall be free to decide the use of their bodies.
3. All persons, shall be permitted in attaining property, regardless of gender, race or nationality.
4. Persons shall be protected from searches and seizures and shall not be required to comply with them unless a legal warrant is issued signed by a judge.
4. All persons shall be granted the right to an a free education until they complete twelve years of education. No person may deprive a child of education.


§4 – Judicial Rights
1. All persons shall be guaranteed the right to an attorney or legal representation within any court or legal proceeding.
2. All persons shall be protected from self incrimination. No person may be forced to testify before a court of law if testifying means self incrimination.
3. All persons shall have the right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of twelve.
4. No person may be subject to cruel and unusual punishment.
5. All persons shall have the right to appeal to a higher court.

§5 – Other rights
1. Persons shall still enjoy rights granted outside of the Constitution.
2. Rights of citizens shall apply on all levels of governance, whether national or local.

Senator Greanihte speaks up: "Senator Nugati, there is a glaring issue with your proposal. Rights such as "all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as his fellow countrymen" extend only to men. Whether or not this was your intention, it severely weakens our constitution. Furthermore, I motion that you remove all gendered language from the bill."

To clarify, the words countrymen and 'his' are not to be confused as rights being granted to only men. Kind of when the US constitution says "all men are created equal" it really means all people are created equal.

[The Grene Knyght]

Senator Greanihte speaks up: "Senator Nugati, there is a glaring issue with your proposal. Rights such as "all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as his fellow countrymen" extend only to men. Whether or not this was your intention, it severely weakens our constitution. Furthermore, I motion that you remove all gendered language from the bill."

To clarify, the words countrymen and 'his' are not to be confused as rights being granted to only men. Kind of when the US constitution says "all men are created equal" it really means all people are created equal.

I see your point, Senator. I understand that you meant those to refer to people in general, not to one gender. As I said, whether or not that was your intention, and I realise it was not, this language still can be interpreted as extending this right to men only. It is also inconsistent with the later articles, which use gender-neutral words.

[Filimons]

Senator Greanihte speaks up: “Senator Nugati, there is a glaring issue with your proposal. Rights such as ‘all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as his fellow countrymen’ extend only to men. Whether or not this was your intention, it severely weakens our constitution. Furthermore, I motion that you remove all gendered language from the bill.”

“To allege it ‘severely weakens’ our basic law is a crude misuse of the terms, honourable member. The English language has a long history of employing this particular pronoun in a more general, gender-neutral manner. It may be alien to those not educated in the language, but the text does not in any way, manner or form suggest these rights do not extend to women. I will, if you allow me to do so, provide you with books proving the existence of the custom I have described. To conclude, I do not believe you would feel the need to reprimand those who refer to their countries in the feminine. ‘Elizia calls her children―not men, of course―to preserve her nascent democracy’, for example, is hardly reprehensible.”

[Skyviolia]

Sorry for all the changes, but I will again be amending my draft to remove gender specific nouns-

Proposal as of now -

§1 – General Statement

1. We fully recognize that all persons from any nationality, race, background or religion deserves to be treated with the same respect, and given the same rights as their fellow citizen.
2. We affirm that all persons within the jurisdiction of the nation of Elizia shall be granted the rights offered at the behest of this Bill of Rights.
3. We affirm that all men and women are equal before government, and that no man shall be put above the other.
4. We acknowledge that all men and women shall be granted the basic right to life, liberty, and freedom.

§2 – Rights of Expression
1. All persons shall be granted the right to the free exercise of religion, and the pursuit of faith, conscious, or creed. Provided that the exercise does not hinder the rights of others or violate the free exercise of others.
................1a. Elizia shall practice separation between religion and state. Government may not, under any circumstances, profess a state religion, or hinder the free practice of faith, or lake thereof. No religious law shall be implemented.
2. All persons shall be granted the right to the free expression of speech in any media, and the right to peacefully assemble, petition, and express criticism without fear of government reprisal provided that the medium does not compromise public or personal safety.

§3 – Body, Work and the Property
1. No person may be forced into slavery or bondage, or be forced to join the armed forces. No person may be forced to house soldiers during either times of war or peace.
2. All persons shall have the right to bodily integrity and shall have protection against bodily harm. All persons shall be free to decide the use of their bodies.
3. All persons, shall be permitted in attaining property, regardless of gender, race or nationality.
4. Persons shall be protected from searches and seizures and shall not be required to comply with them unless a legal warrant is issued signed by a judge.
4. All persons shall be granted the right to an a free education until they complete twelve years of education. No person may deprive a child of education.


§4 – Judicial Rights
1. All persons shall be guaranteed the right to an attorney or legal representation within any court or legal proceeding.
2. All persons shall be protected from self incrimination. No person may be forced to testify before a court of law if testifying means self incrimination.
3. All persons shall have the right to a fair and speedy trial by a jury of twelve.
4. No person may be subject to cruel and unusual punishment.
5. All persons shall have the right to appeal to a higher court.

§5 – Other rights
1. Persons shall still enjoy rights granted outside of the Constitution.
2. Rights of citizens shall apply on all levels of governance, whether national or local.

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

"After much writing and revision, Senator Chiu and I are pleased to announce our proposed Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens as an alternative Bill of Rights. We believe that this expansive and pioneering bill, which both codifies rights that are integral to the freedoms of Elizians and ratifies revolutionary human rights conventions around the world, shall ensure that all Elizian citizens are guaranteed the utmost human rights for generations to come."

[Skappola]

"After much writing and revision, Senator Chiu and I are pleased to announce our proposed Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens as an alternative Bill of Rights. We believe that this expansive and pioneering bill, which both codifies rights that are integral to the freedoms of Elizians and ratifies revolutionary human rights conventions around the world, shall ensure that all Elizian citizens are guaranteed the utmost human rights for generations to come."

Senator Rudao stands up. "This bill of rights seems in most ways superior to the first proposal, but I must clarify a number of articles. Article XIV states that the right of marital union cannot be prevented for religious reasons. It would behoove you to clarify that this applies specifically to the religion of the individuals who wish to be married, as it otherwise suggests that our government would be unable to legislate on the definition of a marital union from religious lines. I would humbly suggest that Article XX include a clause forbidding confiscation of land from aboriginal reservations without the permission of the body governing the reservation, as this happened far too often under the ENC's regime. I would further suggest that, either in Article XX or Article XXI, a clause be added requiring government officials in aboriginal reservations either speak the language of the reservation or have a translator at hand."

[Skyviolia]

"After much writing and revision, Senator Chiu and I are pleased to announce our proposed Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens as an alternative Bill of Rights. We believe that this expansive and pioneering bill, which both codifies rights that are integral to the freedoms of Elizians and ratifies revolutionary human rights conventions around the world, shall ensure that all Elizian citizens are guaranteed the utmost human rights for generations to come."

(OOC: I do have an OOC problem with this. the Proposal is too liberal. It is impractical for a Muslim majority country to have marriage equality and other very liberal ideas. We have to be realistic.)

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

"After much writing and revision, Senator Chiu and I are pleased to announce our proposed Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens as an alternative Bill of Rights. We believe that this expansive and pioneering bill, which both codifies rights that are integral to the freedoms of Elizians and ratifies revolutionary human rights conventions around the world, shall ensure that all Elizian citizens are guaranteed the utmost human rights for generations to come."

Senator Rudao stands up. "This bill of rights seems in most ways superior to the first proposal, but I must clarify a number of articles. Article XIV states that the right of marital union cannot be prevented for religious reasons. It would behoove you to clarify that this applies specifically to the religion of the individuals who wish to be married, as it otherwise suggests that our government would be unable to legislate on the definition of a marital union from religious lines. I would humbly suggest that Article XX include a clause forbidding confiscation of land from aboriginal reservations without the permission of the body governing the reservation, as this happened far too often under the ENC's regime. I would further suggest that, either in Article XX or Article XXI, a clause be added requiring government officials in aboriginal reservations either speak the language of the reservation or have a translator at hand."

"Firstly, I would like to thank for your positive comment regarding our proposed Declaration. Secondly, I would like to note that one of the purposes of Article XIV is to allow inter-religious marriages, and that the Article certainly does not prohibit legislators introducing laws regulating marriage based on their religious beliefs; religion is an integral part of the conscience of many, myself included. In regards to your concerns over Indigenous rights, I have to say that I am confident that, as government officials of autonomous indigenous regions would be elected by the obviously majority-indigenous populations there, those government officials would be indigenous Elizians themselves. Also, I believe that further laws governing autonomous indigenous regions would be best suited to the part of our Constitution outlining a federal structure, as autonomous indigenous regions should, in my opinion, be classified as a particular type of administrative division, and thus should be largely outlined in the administrative division sections of our Constitution, not our Bill of Rights."

"After much writing and revision, Senator Chiu and I are pleased to announce our proposed Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens as an alternative Bill of Rights. We believe that this expansive and pioneering bill, which both codifies rights that are integral to the freedoms of Elizians and ratifies revolutionary human rights conventions around the world, shall ensure that all Elizian citizens are guaranteed the utmost human rights for generations to come."

(OOC: I do have an OOC problem with this. the Proposal is too liberal. It is impractical for a Muslim majority country to have marriage equality and other very liberal ideas. We have to be realistic.)

OOC: The "right to marriage" clause does not legalize same-sex marriage; it merely prohibits laws outlawing interracial marriage, inter-ethnic marriage, marriage between various classes and economic backgrounds, and inter-religious marriages. Laws stating that marriage is solely between a man and a woman wouldn't be realistic for a Southeast Asian country, because that's the default in Southeast Asian countries.

[Skyviolia]

Senator Rudao stands up. "This bill of rights seems in most ways superior to the first proposal, but I must clarify a number of articles. Article XIV states that the right of marital union cannot be prevented for religious reasons. It would behoove you to clarify that this applies specifically to the religion of the individuals who wish to be married, as it otherwise suggests that our government would be unable to legislate on the definition of a marital union from religious lines. I would humbly suggest that Article XX include a clause forbidding confiscation of land from aboriginal reservations without the permission of the body governing the reservation, as this happened far too often under the ENC's regime. I would further suggest that, either in Article XX or Article XXI, a clause be added requiring government officials in aboriginal reservations either speak the language of the reservation or have a translator at hand."

"Firstly, I would like to thank for your positive comment regarding our proposed Declaration. Secondly, I would like to note that one of the purposes of Article XIV is to allow inter-religious marriages, and that the Article certainly does not prohibit legislators introducing laws regulating marriage based on their religious beliefs; religion is an integral part of the conscience of many, myself included. In regards to your concerns over Indigenous rights, I have to say that I am confident that, as government officials of autonomous indigenous regions would be elected by the obviously majority-indigenous populations there, those government officials would be indigenous Elizians themselves. Also, I believe that further laws governing autonomous indigenous regions would be best suited to the part of our Constitution outlining a federal structure, as autonomous indigenous regions should, in my opinion, be classified as a particular type of administrative division, and thus should be largely outlined in the administrative division sections of our Constitution, not our Bill of Rights."

(OOC: I do have an OOC problem with this. the Proposal is too liberal. It is impractical for a Muslim majority country to have marriage equality and other very liberal ideas. We have to be realistic.)

OOC: The "right to marriage" clause does not legalize same-sex marriage; it merely prohibits laws outlawing interracial marriage, inter-ethnic marriage, marriage between various classes and economic backgrounds, and inter-religious marriages. Laws stating that marriage is solely between a man and a woman wouldn't be realistic for a Southeast Asian country, because that's the default in Southeast Asian countries.

Oh ok, sorry for misinterperting that.

[Argentarino]

"I laud Senators Beluluk and Chui for their hard work and support their version of the Bill of Rights."

[Davincia]

"After much writing and revision, Senator Chiu and I are pleased to announce our proposed Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens as an alternative Bill of Rights. We believe that this expansive and pioneering bill, which both codifies rights that are integral to the freedoms of Elizians and ratifies revolutionary human rights conventions around the world, shall ensure that all Elizian citizens are guaranteed the utmost human rights for generations to come."

"This bill will fit quite nicely in my fireplace. It is evident that eminent domain is permitted under this proposed document, a practice that should be condemned anywhere and everywhere at all occasions. Not to mention that special rights are granted to the aboriginals and the management of their land in spite of the various equality clauses found throughout the bill."

[The Sarian]

"Mr Speaker, sir, I find this Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens to be a generally well thought out and well balanced document. And I would like to commend my Honourable Friend, Delegate Chiu and the Honourable Delegate Beluluk for their graft in drafting it.

That is not to say, however, that it is without fault and today I rise to suggest amendments to Sections One and Two.

Mr Speaker, I think we all find the right to life to be of the utmost importance, and I would like that right to be more strongly worded. It is my great fear, Mr Speaker, that the wicked amongst us would seek to use this right to allow the slaughter of unborn children - and I'm sure the whole convention will join me in voicing our disgust at this. Mr Speaker, that is why I therefore suggest the an amendment to article one that ensures there is no ambiguity to when life begins.

Additionally, Mr Speaker, I am puzzled to why the Honourable delegates elected for a suffrage age of just sixteen years old. Across the world, including our Asian neighbours have an age of suffrage of the much more reasonable eighteen, and I believe we as a convention should replicate that. Indeed, in Malaysia it is 21! Mr Speaker, to illustrate my point I would like to list the sovereign states in the world who entertain voting ages of sixteen in all elections: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador and Nicaragua. Eighteen is what is right, eighteen is what is fair, eighteen is what is normal, and this bill should be amended to reflect that.

The bill also seems to suggest, Mr Speaker, that we grant those currently incarcerated, those who are insane and those who have a past history of committing electoral fraud the vote. It goes without saying that these particular groups of people are undeserving of such right, and I again recommend an amendment to reflect that."

[Skappola]

Senator Rudao stands up. "This bill of rights seems in most ways superior to the first proposal, but I must clarify a number of articles. Article XIV states that the right of marital union cannot be prevented for religious reasons. It would behoove you to clarify that this applies specifically to the religion of the individuals who wish to be married, as it otherwise suggests that our government would be unable to legislate on the definition of a marital union from religious lines. I would humbly suggest that Article XX include a clause forbidding confiscation of land from aboriginal reservations without the permission of the body governing the reservation, as this happened far too often under the ENC's regime. I would further suggest that, either in Article XX or Article XXI, a clause be added requiring government officials in aboriginal reservations either speak the language of the reservation or have a translator at hand."

"Firstly, I would like to thank for your positive comment regarding our proposed Declaration. Secondly, I would like to note that one of the purposes of Article XIV is to allow inter-religious marriages, and that the Article certainly does not prohibit legislators introducing laws regulating marriage based on their religious beliefs; religion is an integral part of the conscience of many, myself included. In regards to your concerns over Indigenous rights, I have to say that I am confident that, as government officials of autonomous indigenous regions would be elected by the obviously majority-indigenous populations there, those government officials would be indigenous Elizians themselves. Also, I believe that further laws governing autonomous indigenous regions would be best suited to the part of our Constitution outlining a federal structure, as autonomous indigenous regions should, in my opinion, be classified as a particular type of administrative division, and thus should be largely outlined in the administrative division sections of our Constitution, not our Bill of Rights."

"Thank you for addressing my concerns in regards to marriage, but I must suggest that some protections be provided from the overarching authority of eminent domain to indigenous peoples and other autonomous areas. As the right to eminent domain is given to the government in this amendment, it would make sense to provide some restrictions to its use in the same document as well. Regardless, I shall be pushing forward such legislation should it not be guaranteed in this bill of rights, which I will be supporting."

[Arkolon]

Abdul Razman notes how late the most recent proposal was submitted and, before closing the Second Day, equally notes that a motion was raised to extend debate time by 12 hours which received two seconds. Exceptionally, since debate is still ongoing, the extension will be implemented with 5 hours of those 12 hours remaining. After this, without any further motions to extend debate, the Third Day will begin.

[Ainin]

"Mr Speaker, sir, I find this Declaration of the Rights of Elizian Citizens, Residents, and Non-Resident Aliens to be a generally well thought out and well balanced document. And I would like to commend my Honourable Friend, Delegate Chiu and the Honourable Delegate Beluluk for their graft in drafting it.

That is not to say, however, that it is without fault and today I rise to suggest amendments to Sections One and Two.

Mr Speaker, I think we all find the right to life to be of the utmost importance, and I would like that right to be more strongly worded. It is my great fear, Mr Speaker, that the wicked amongst us would seek to use this right to allow the slaughter of unborn children - and I'm sure the whole convention will join me in voicing our disgust at this. Mr Speaker, that is why I therefore suggest the an amendment to article one that ensures there is no ambiguity to when life begins.

Additionally, Mr Speaker, I am puzzled to why the Honourable delegates elected for a suffrage age of just sixteen years old. Across the world, including our Asian neighbours have an age of suffrage of the much more reasonable eighteen, and I believe we as a convention should replicate that. Indeed, in Malaysia it is 21! Mr Speaker, to illustrate my point I would like to list the sovereign states in the world who entertain voting ages of sixteen in all elections: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador and Nicaragua. Eighteen is what is right, eighteen is what is fair, eighteen is what is normal, and this bill should be amended to reflect that.

The bill also seems to suggest, Mr Speaker, that we grant those currently incarcerated, those who are insane and those who have a past history of committing electoral fraud the vote. It goes without saying that these particular groups of people are undeserving of such right, and I again recommend an amendment to reflect that."

"Thank you for your feedback. We do appreciate all constructive critiques," John said with extra emphasis on the word 'construction' before looking with disapproval at (Davincia's MP). "For the age of suffrage, I will defer to my colleague, who wrote that section. As for abortion, I believe that including a statement as rigid as 'life begins at contraception' could potentially cause courts to erode the ability of women to get medically-necessary abortions for the purpose of saving the woman's life or health, which I hope my colleague will agree with me is a justifiable exception."

"Lastly, I disagree with the principle of felony disenfranchisement. Many of us here today were once dissidents against the Elizian National Congress' iron-fisted rule and have watched first-hand what happens when the hard-end of the law no longer serves the people but the systems of oppression. Many of us proudly bear criminal records from the regime days, espionage, sabotage, state subversion, sedition, treason, anything they could throw at us except the kitchen sink. Felony disenfranchisement is unheard of in our part of the world and has too big a potential to be abused by those that would subvert our nascent judicial system to belong here."

"I hope these answers were satisfactory."

"Thank you for addressing my concerns in regards to marriage, but I must suggest that some protections be provided from the overarching authority of eminent domain to indigenous peoples and other autonomous areas. As the right to eminent domain is given to the government in this amendment, it would make sense to provide some restrictions to its use in the same document as well. Regardless, I shall be pushing forward such legislation should it not be guaranteed in this bill of rights, which I will be supporting."

"Thank you for these concerns. An earlier draft did include special eminent domain protections for aboriginal groups, but upon further research, it appears that most indigenous people reside in urban settings, integrated with the general population, and not in standalone communities. It would thereby be difficult to determine what kind of property would be protected. Would you be satisfied if we guaranteed the sanctity of ancestral rural lands from eminent domain?"

[Skappola]

"Thank you for addressing my concerns in regards to marriage, but I must suggest that some protections be provided from the overarching authority of eminent domain to indigenous peoples and other autonomous areas. As the right to eminent domain is given to the government in this amendment, it would make sense to provide some restrictions to its use in the same document as well. Regardless, I shall be pushing forward such legislation should it not be guaranteed in this bill of rights, which I will be supporting."

"Thank you for these concerns. An earlier draft did include special eminent domain protections for aboriginal groups, but upon further research, it appears that most indigenous people reside in urban settings, integrated with the general population, and not in standalone communities. It would thereby be difficult to determine what kind of property would be protected. Would you be satisfied if we guaranteed the sanctity of ancestral rural lands from eminent domain?"

"Thank you, Mr. Chiu, I believe that would certainly be sufficient."