Civil Rights
"We believe in equality for all and privileges for none. This is a belief that each American regardless of background has equal standing in the public forum, all of us. Because we believe this idea so firmly, we are inclusive rather than an exclusive party. Let everybody come." – Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
From the Texas Democratic Party Platform
Texas Democrats believe all people possess inalienable rights that are protected by freedoms guaranteed to us under the state and federal Constitution, and that the Constitution places responsibility on our government to protect and defend those freedoms just as those freedoms place responsibilities on us as individuals. We support:
- Equal opportunity and equal protection before the law;
- Full protection of civil and human rights;
- Freedom from government interference in our private lives and personal decisions;
- Freedom of religion and individual conscience;
- Action against all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment;
- The right to privacy and protecting the confidentiality and privacy of personal, medical, and financial records - in both paper and electronic formats;
- Preservation and enforcement of all state and federal disability rights laws, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- Full access to governmental records and information on matters of public interest and state employees' rights and duty to provide factual answers to the public in response to requests for information on matters of public interest;
- Repeal of provisions of the Patriot Act inconsistent with the Bill of Rights;
- Proper court authorization and review of all surveillance and wire-tapping in full compliance with the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution;
- The adoption of a constitutional amendment to provide all eligible voters an absolute right to vote in all public elections;
- The idea that the power of government must never be used to impose one group’s personal religious observances on others;
- Open access to the court system guaranteed by the Texas Constitution, the right to fair and impartial jury trials and respect by courts for jury verdicts;,
- Protection for Texans from unreasonable limitations on access to the justice system, including mandatory arbitration proceedings;
- Affordable and efficient access to justice for all Texans through the ability to join together to seek redress for personal injuries and property damages;
- The nomination and appointment of qualified, competent persons to serve as Judges, and as members of State Boards and Commissions responsible for carrying out civil and criminal Justice in this State.
Links:
North Texas/Oklahoma Anti-Defamation League
Southern Texas Anti-Defamation League
Southwest Voter Registration Education Project
News from the TDP:
Monday, July 02, 2007 - Richie: Civil Rights Act Changed the Course of America’s History
Friday, January 12, 2007 - Statement of TDP Chair Boyd Richie in Recognition of Martin Luther King Day
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