4 HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIL RIGHTS
15 Protection of Civil Rights: Our civil liberties are the foundation of our democracy.  We are committed to protect our civil liberties and to the preservation of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We oppose any effort to erode our constitutional rights, including the right to vociferously protest against government actions. Efforts to reduce crime and its negative effects on society and to protect against the threat of terrorism do not justify the erosion of our constitutional rights.

16 Enforce the UN Declaration of Rights: The United States should enforce the principles embodied in the United Nation's "Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Article 25", which provides that "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of [themselves] and of [their] family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond [their] control."

17 The Rights of Women: The right of women to equal protection under the law and to enjoy the full rights of citizenship must be vigorously defended. Congress should pass the Equal Rights amendment. The right to reproductive choice is an absolutely essential component of these rights. The Democratic Party must lead the effort to obtain these rights for women all over the world.

18 Prohibition against Discrimination: We oppose discrimination of any kind and support laws that prohibit discrimination and programs that provide victims with access to courts to overcome such injustices.

19 Affirmative Action: We support affirmative action programs that provide victims of past discrimination with the opportunity of equal access to education, employment, promotion, housing and other necessities of life.

20 Civil Unions: We believe that governments should recognize the civil union of couples regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, and that these civil unions should afford all the legal protections, rights and benefits of marriage. These benefits, protections and rights are to be extended to include immigrant couples and families.

21 Separation of Religion and Government: Freedom of religion includes the individual’s right to practice religion or not practice religion. It is not the role of government to support either practice or any entity that supports either practice. We support the separation of religion and government. We oppose organized prayers in public schools, religious symbols in government buildings and institutions, and public funding of religious charities, schools and institutions that require a profession of faith or act of worship as a condition of participation.

22 Confidentiality of Medical Records: The evolution of technology should not be permitted to erode the privacy rights of citizens.  Medical and all other personal records and information should be protected from unauthorized disclosure.

23 Patriot Act: We support the repeal of the Patriot Act and support a careful and open review of the needs of government to protect the nation against terrorism while protecting our basic rights.

24 Department of Peace: We support the creation of a cabinet level Department of Peace.