(HR-1)


The Friends Committee on Legislation believes that freedom of thought, expression, press, religion, peaceful assembly and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances
are basic human rights as well as rights guaranteed by both the California and U.S. Constitutions. Through a free exchange of ideas, we believe that the truth will prevail and democratic government will flourish. Full expression of information, opinions, and ideas -- whether by individuals, the press, or groups of people demonstrating or lobbying in support of a cause -- is essential for the formation of responsible judgment by individuals as members of society and for society itself, through its elected representatives in the state legislature.

As Friends, some of our most deeply held convictions arise from our religious beliefs. We view free, uncoerced, exercise of religion as the most basic of human rights. Accordingly, we are opposed to any form of mandatory public school prayer.

Religious and moral convictions should be recognized as defenses in criminal prosecutions of non-violent actions. The State of California should recognize the "necessity defense," wherein a person has committed a nonviolent unlawful act to avoid the commission of an act more wrongful.

No person should be deprived of economic rights or employment security because of free exercise of religion.

We consider privacy to be a basic human right. People should be free to live their lives peacefully without intrusion, free from eavesdropping and surveillance whether private or governmental. We oppose legislative attempts to circumvent constitutional protections

No person should be denied civil liberties, employment or insurance because he or she is at risk, genetically or otherwise, of becoming ill or of contracting a communicable disease.

The Friends Committee on Legislation supports legislation which seeks to achieve these civil liberties and opposes legislation which would act to curtail or infringe upon these liberties.

Approved by Statewide Executive Committee on December 7, 1996