I thought of making this a poll, but there are so many choices, I figured it would be tedious. Instead, I've decided to just lay out a whole list of things that I think should be considered as "freedoms" to which every person has a right.
What freedoms would you deny me (and therefore, by extension, deny yourself)? Please consider that freedom cannot be totally unlimited, and limits may be imposed if I infringe on the rights of others, do harm to others, or thwart important but complex public policy (for that last, consider that I may feel it my right not to be photographed, but the government may see a need to stop others from illegally using my identity, and therefore insist upon it). And, of course, we must concede that dependent minors cannot have all of these freedoms, that parents a guardians must be free to guide those in their care.
So only answer in the NEGATIVE -- those things you think that should not be considered rightful freedoms. For any of the freedoms that I would like to have for myself and others, therefore, when you identify one that you think we should not have, please give your reasons.
Finally, I am not all-wise. If you identify a freedom not listed, do please mention it.
I think that I should be free (within the limitations set out in paragraph 2 above):
What freedoms would you deny me (and therefore, by extension, deny yourself)? Please consider that freedom cannot be totally unlimited, and limits may be imposed if I infringe on the rights of others, do harm to others, or thwart important but complex public policy (for that last, consider that I may feel it my right not to be photographed, but the government may see a need to stop others from illegally using my identity, and therefore insist upon it). And, of course, we must concede that dependent minors cannot have all of these freedoms, that parents a guardians must be free to guide those in their care.
So only answer in the NEGATIVE -- those things you think that should not be considered rightful freedoms. For any of the freedoms that I would like to have for myself and others, therefore, when you identify one that you think we should not have, please give your reasons.
Finally, I am not all-wise. If you identify a freedom not listed, do please mention it.
I think that I should be free (within the limitations set out in paragraph 2 above):
- To practice any religion, or to practice none?
- To wear clothing that reflects my religion?
- To wear clothing that reflects my gender identity, as opposed to clothing that reflects my anatomy?
- To pray when and where I would like?
- To not pray, if prayer has no meaning for me?
- To think my own thoughts, speak my mind, listen to views of others and express my opinions in creative ways?
- To meet with anyone I wish and participate in peaceful demonstrations?
- To protest against a government action or institution?
- To write, or to read, news stories or to air and view them?
- To vote for the candidate I wish, for my own reasons?
- To live in what part of my country I choose, or to leave my country forever, if I choose?
- To seek work where I choose to live?
- To not be unreasonably searched, or detained?
- To have my privacy respected by government and its agencies?
- To not have government or government agencies invade my private space, or to remove anything without a duly authorized warrant from the judiciary?
- To love – and make love to – the consenting person of my choice?
- To marry that person, if we both agree?
- To be tried within a reasonable amount of time, if charged with a crime?
- To choose not to testify at my own trial?
- To be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair and public hearing by an independent and unbiased tribunal?
- To only be denied reasonable bail with cause?
- To be tried by a jury of my peers for serious charges?
- To only be tried or punished once for an offence?
