[PASSED] [GA#498 SUB!] End Blood Sports

[Tinhampton]

On the 28th of August 2023, End Blood Sports became GA#683!

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This proposal has been filed to the General Assembly Moral Decency Board.
NOTE: at 0220 BST on the 8th of August 2023, this proposal reached quorum with FederationofAmerica's approval, the 55th all told.

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Character count: 1,857
Word count: 307

ICly by Susanna Bryant, fifth-in-line to the post of Delegate-Ambassador.
OOC: Repeal

End Blood Sports
A resolution to restrict civil freedoms in the interest of moral decency.

Category: Moral Decency

Strength: Mild

Proposed by: Tinhampton

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Aware that, with the loss of GA#498 "Ban on Forced Blood Sports," the World Assembly is once more at a loss on how to address the scourge of blood sports involving animals, and

Convinced that a renewed approach to blood sports will help reinforce its reputation as a truly international guardian of animal welfare...

The General Assembly hereby:

1. defines "blood sports" as any competitive activity not regulated by prior and standing WA law which aims towards the infliction of severe injury or death upon at least one of the sapients or non-sapients taking part,
2. forbids blood sports, except where all those taking part are sapients who have given their free and informed consent to taking part,
3. requires that no sapient be held in captivity without their consent for the purpose of any blood sport, regardless of when such captivity commenced,
4. demands that no person transport, sell, or purchase any sapient or non-sapient to, in or from a member state, where such action is aimed at making it participate in those blood sports in any circumstances where Article b forbids them from taking place, and
5. further requires that all non-sapients who are held in captivity for blood sport purposes be:
   
   1. kept in conditions where their basic needs are fulfilled before any of Articles e(ii-iv) are triggered, and either
   2. released as soon as possible in a manner that allows for them to live in their natural environment independently and without destroying it,
   3. released as soon as possible into an enclosed environment (such as a zoo) where they will be treated with the appropriate dignity, but only if following Article e(ii) is impossible within their lifetime, or
   4. euthanised with minimal possible force, but only as a last resort if following Articles e(ii) or e(iii) is impossible within their lifetime.

[Tinhampton]

Retired drafts being held in captivity

[States of Glory WA Office]

Neville: 'Apologies if this is a stupid question, but would confining boxers to a boxing ring for the duration of a fight be regarded as 'captivity'?'

[Kenmoria]

Neville: 'Apologies if this is a stupid question, but would confining boxers to a boxing ring for the duration of a fight be regarded as 'captivity'?'

“Your Excellency, boxers are not typically held captive by their managers. For that to happen, something very different to usual boxing must be occurring.”

[States of Glory WA Office]

Neville: 'Apologies if this is a stupid question, but would confining boxers to a boxing ring for the duration of a fight be regarded as 'captivity'?'

“Your Excellency, boxers are not typically held captive by their managers. For that to happen, something very different to usual boxing must be occurring.”

Neville: 'Perhaps the boxing example was ludicrous. However, now that I've pondered it further, there is a more legitimate concern. I do not know if your delegation is aware of the sport commonly referred to as 'sumo wrestling', but our understanding is that it is expected for professional participants to live regimented lives in 'stables' where their every move is micromanaged. Frankly, it is difficult to see how these conditions do not constitute 'captivity'. Now, these stables would be permitted for sumo wrestlers under this resolution on the basis that wrestling is rather obviously not a blood sport, but it is conceivable that such an arrangement could be introduced for actual blood sports such as boxing or mixed martial arts. In such a situation, it might be the case that this resolution would ban it. We would appreciate clarification from the Tinhamptonian delegation on this point.'

[Simone Republic]

How about "pretend sports" (I don't know what the formal term is) like WWE where it's scripted?

[The Ice States]

How about "pretend sports" (I don't know what the formal term is) like WWE where it's scripted?

Those would generally not "ai[m] towards the infliction of severe injury or death upon at least one of the sapients or non-sapients taking part". If they do, then yes this should apply.

“Your Excellency, boxers are not typically held captive by their managers. For that to happen, something very different to usual boxing must be occurring.”

Neville: 'Perhaps the boxing example was ludicrous. However, now that I've pondered it further, there is a more legitimate concern. I do not know if your delegation is aware of the sport commonly referred to as 'sumo wrestling', but our understanding is that it is expected for professional participants to live regimented lives in 'stables' where their every move is micromanaged. Frankly, it is difficult to see how these conditions do not constitute 'captivity'. Now, these stables would be permitted for sumo wrestlers under this resolution on the basis that wrestling is rather obviously not a blood sport, but it is conceivable that such an arrangement could be introduced for actual blood sports such as boxing or mixed martial arts. In such a situation, it might be the case that this resolution would ban it. We would appreciate clarification from the Tinhamptonian delegation on this point.'

"Sumo wrestlers are generally permitted to leave such locations, in which case it would not constitute 'captivity'. The only difference if they do so is that they can no longer participate in sumo wrestling. Although clarification in the draft, such as adding 'except where that sapient has freely consented otherwise' to the end of Section c, would be helpful."

~Alexander Nicholas Saverchenko-Colleti,
World Assembly Ambassador,
The Communal Union of the Ice States.

[Tinhampton]

Article c has been rewritten pursuant to Ice's comments above and through private channels.

[Cretox State]

"Support repeal, but not replacement. Firstly, some form of transition assistance makes sense given the critical economic role blood sports may play in less developed areas of incoming member states, which are unlikely to get much attention for their concerns from their national governments. Secondly, we don't see how this topic benefits from a specific standalone resolution. Slavery can just as well be handled in a slavery ban, which exists, and animal cruelty can just as well be handled in an animal cruelty resolution."

[Simone Republic]

(IC)

As long as white fluffy cute bears are protected, sure.

[Tinhampton]

(IC)

As long as white fluffy cute bears are protected, sure.

Bryant: This resolution applies whether your blood sports involve chickens, bulls, pitbulls or yes, bears. Even those bears.

[The Ice States]

"We wonder what happens if an animal used to be a blood sport participant, yet is in captivity for unrelated reasons. As written, all animals who once participated in a blood sport yet are now healthy pets, for example, must be released. However, it does not even apply to animals kept in captivity for the purpose of an imminent blood sport. It should be clarified that Section d applies only where the purpose of their captivity is for some blood sport. If this is addressed, we can support."

~Alexander Nicholas Saverchenko-Colleti,
World Assembly Ambassador,
The Communal Union of the Ice States.

[Tinhampton]

Bryant: Done, Alex. No, I mean the other Alex. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh.

OOC: A new Article d has been added to attempt to prevent Ban on Trade of Blood Sport Participants from passing; I've never supported two resolutions on any issue when one resolution can do the same job without facing significant controversy - hence why my two self-defence proposals are two and not one, incidentally. Magecastle is fine with me doing this on the understanding I'm using my own language (and should restate this here shortly), but has made it very clear to me that he reserves the right to go ahead with BoToBSP if either my repeal or the intended replacement fails at vote.

[Magecastle Embassy Building A5]

Bryant: Done, Alex. No, I mean the other Alex. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh.

OOC: A new Article d has been added to attempt to prevent Ban on Trade of Blood Sport Participants from passing; I've never supported two resolutions on any issue when one resolution can do the same job without facing significant controversy - hence why my two self-defence proposals are two and not one, incidentally. Magecastle is fine with me doing this on the understanding I'm using my own language (and should restate this here shortly), but has made it very clear to me that he reserves the right to go ahead with BoToBSP if either my repeal or the intended replacement fails at vote.

I can confirm this and have given suggestions to the author regarding that language via Discord.

[Tinhampton]

Bryant: Done, Alex. No, I mean the other Alex. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh.

OOC: A new Article d has been added to attempt to prevent Ban on Trade of Blood Sport Participants from passing; I've never supported two resolutions on any issue when one resolution can do the same job without facing significant controversy - hence why my two self-defence proposals are two and not one, incidentally. Magecastle is fine with me doing this on the understanding I'm using my own language (and should restate this here shortly), but has made it very clear to me that he reserves the right to go ahead with BoToBSP if either my repeal or the intended replacement fails at vote.

I can confirm this and have given suggestions to the author regarding that language via Discord.

These suggestions have been implemented:

demands that no person transport, sell, or purchase (or allow the transport, sale or purchase of) any sapient or non-sapient to, in, or from a member state, where such action is aimed at making it participate in those blood sports in any circumstances where Article b forbids them from taking place, and

[Barfleur]

"We are not opposed to this proposal, but we respectfully disagree with the euthanasia requirement in clause e. We can imagine circumstances where there is not a serious possibility for a former blood sport participant to live on its own in its natural environment, in which case long-term care is the option, but where euthanasia would be cruel and unnecessary. After living most of its live in a cage and in the ring, an animal might very well become accustomed to those artificial environments to the detriment of its relationship with the environment in which that species lives in the wild, but why must it be killed? If a zoo or humane society is willing and able to perform the long-term care required, why should that be forbidden?"

OOC: In clause e, "d(ii)" and d(iii)" should be "e(ii)" and "e(iii)".

[Tinhampton]

Changes have been made hopefully to Barfleur's satisfaction. (I've reached out to him with the new wording but he didn't offer an immediate response.)

[The Ice States]

that have participated in blood sports

Ooc: As mentioned on Discord, this qualifier should be removed. A bull kept in captivity for the purpose of what would otherwise be their first bullfight should still be subject to that clause.

[Tinhampton]

that have participated in blood sports

Ooc: As mentioned on Discord, this qualifier should be removed. A bull kept in captivity for the purpose of what would otherwise be their first bullfight should still be subject to that clause.

Done.

[Simone Republic]

(IC)

As long as white fluffy cute bears are protected, sure.

Bryant: This resolution applies whether your blood sports involve chickens, bulls, pitbulls or yes, bears. Even those bears.

(IC)

Cool. Your definition of "blood sports" makes it legal for bears to hunt humans and wolves. Any contestants for "WA Squid Game"?

[Merulla]

How about "pretend sports" (I don't know what the formal term is) like WWE where it's scripted?

Those would generally not "ai[m] towards the infliction of severe injury or death upon at least one of the sapients or non-sapients taking part". If they do, then yes this should apply.

As natural and inherent defenders of individual freedoms, we believe that such a position is undue and unwelcome in your proposed resolution. Sports entertainment, although scripted, aims to surprise its fans and this can be understood and executed in the most diverse ways, which means that there may indeed be moments and fights, where combat is carried towards extreme use of force and violence where the aim may be to cause severe injury.

Such goals can be seen in the so-called "extreme matches" or "hardcore matches" where objects such as construction sledgehammers, shovels, traffic signs, barbed wire, thumbtacks, caltrops, tables, ladders and chairs.
In addition to several matches where absurd stipulations are defined, for example, cage matches, no holds barred, coffin matches, matches with the use of construction and demolition vehicles and equipment and etc.

While I could certainly go on citing examples ad nauseam, I think it's best to get to my point with all of this. The professionals behind sports entertainment are there willingly, doing what they like and believe is fair to them, in addition to being very well paid, and therefore, I don't believe it's fair to punish them, punish their company and/or punish their fan through the misuse of this much-needed resolution. Therefore, it is necessary to better review this position regarding professional wrestling practitioners.


John Nicodemus Hamilton,
World Assembly Ambassador,
The Great Kingdom of Merulla.

[The Ice States]

Those would generally not "ai[m] towards the infliction of severe injury or death upon at least one of the sapients or non-sapients taking part". If they do, then yes this should apply.

As natural and inherent defenders of individual freedoms, we believe that such a position is undue and unwelcome in your proposed resolution. Sports entertainment, although scripted, aims to surprise its fans and this can be understood and executed in the most diverse ways, which means that there may indeed be moments and fights, where combat is carried towards extreme use of force and violence where the aim may be to cause severe injury.

Such goals can be seen in the so-called "extreme matches" or "hardcore matches" where objects such as construction sledgehammers, shovels, traffic signs, barbed wire, thumbtacks, caltrops, tables, ladders and chairs.
In addition to several matches where absurd stipulations are defined, for example, cage matches, no holds barred, coffin matches, matches with the use of construction and demolition vehicles and equipment and etc.

While I could certainly go on citing examples ad nauseam, I think it's best to get to my point with all of this. The professionals behind sports entertainment are there willingly, doing what they like and believe is fair to them, in addition to being very well paid, and therefore, I don't believe it's fair to punish them, punish their company and/or punish their fan through the misuse of this much-needed resolution. Therefore, it is necessary to better review this position regarding professional wrestling practitioners.


John Nicodemus Hamilton,
World Assembly Ambassador,
The Great Kingdom of Merulla.

My post was Ooc. Please respond to it as such. In any case, the exception in Section b for "where all those taking part are sapients who have given their free and informed consent to taking part" may interest you. This is, further, not my resolution. It is entirely being written by Tinhampton.

[Merulla]

As natural and inherent defenders of individual freedoms, we believe that such a position is undue and unwelcome in your proposed resolution. Sports entertainment, although scripted, aims to surprise its fans and this can be understood and executed in the most diverse ways, which means that there may indeed be moments and fights, where combat is carried towards extreme use of force and violence where the aim may be to cause severe injury.

Such goals can be seen in the so-called "extreme matches" or "hardcore matches" where objects such as construction sledgehammers, shovels, traffic signs, barbed wire, thumbtacks, caltrops, tables, ladders and chairs.
In addition to several matches where absurd stipulations are defined, for example, cage matches, no holds barred, coffin matches, matches with the use of construction and demolition vehicles and equipment and etc.

While I could certainly go on citing examples ad nauseam, I think it's best to get to my point with all of this. The professionals behind sports entertainment are there willingly, doing what they like and believe is fair to them, in addition to being very well paid, and therefore, I don't believe it's fair to punish them, punish their company and/or punish their fan through the misuse of this much-needed resolution. Therefore, it is necessary to better review this position regarding professional wrestling practitioners.


John Nicodemus Hamilton,
World Assembly Ambassador,
The Great Kingdom of Merulla.

My post was Ooc. Please respond to it as such. In any case, the exception in Section b for "where all those taking part are sapients who have given their free and informed consent to taking part" may interest you. This is, further, not my resolution. It is entirely being written by Tinhampton.

OOC: I think it was a mistake in expressing myself, I was speaking specifically with Tinhampton but I wanted to use your comment as an example. I apologize for the confusion.

[Tinhampton]

TIS is correct.

This is being worked on and will be submitted ASAP after Repeal GA#498 passes; I expect this to be 5am BST on August 4th 2023.

[Tinhampton]

My timings are correct. I am still actively working on this.