Resolution Number SF08.22
Supporting U.S. Ratification Of The Optional Protocol To The Convention Against Torture
WHEREAS, the existence of state-sponsored torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment has been documented in many nations around the world; and
WHEREAS, torture violates the U.S. Constitution, statutes, and core American beliefs in the dignity and integrity of each person that have been essential to our system of government and way of life; and torture also violates a fundamental prohibition of current international law and specifically the Geneva Conventions, and its breach is considered a crime of universal jurisdiction;
WHEREAS, rejecting torture re-affirms fundamental American beliefs in the essential dignity of each human being, provides common ground with current and aspiring democracies around the world, and undercuts terrorist recruitment by reaffirming American commitment to human rights; and a failure to take a stand against torture and its practice by any agent or agency of our United States of America can be seen to jeopardize our system of values and governance;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party urges the United States to reaffirm the importance of making human rights and the rule of law guiding forces for conduct by all agents and agencies of the government of the United States, and exhorts the President to sign and the Senate to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and support the Protocol's continuing goals; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the California Democratic Party distribute copies of this resolution to Senators Feinstein and Boxer, such media outlets as the California Democratic Party may deem appropriate; and to all other California county Democratic central committees for consideration and support; and that the California Democratic Party transmit such correspondence as may advance the principles of this resolution.
Sponsored by Thomas Gangale, Chair, Issues and Legislation Committee,
Sonoma County Democratic Party
Adapted from Michael A. Ceurvorst, Chair, Democrats Abroad, http://www.democratsabroad.org/hot-topics/2006/08/004097.php;
American Psychological Association, http://www.apa.org/governance/resolutions/notortureres.html
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Adopted by the Executive Board
Of the California Democratic Party
At Its Executive Board Meeting
Westin Hotel, Millbrae
June 15, 2008 | 
