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Saturday, May 3
The Indiana Daily Student

Socialist Party supports human rights

The Socialist Party, among other things, strongly believes in human rights. Here are some things we specifically believe: \nWomen\nThe Socialist Party recognizes a struggle against male dominance and patriarchy must go hand-in-hand with any struggle against capitalism. So we oppose all sexism, demand equality for women in all aspects of life, and support comparable worth laws and affirmative action for women.\nWe believe women should be free to improve their working lives with unions and other organizations.\nWe support the expansion and full funding of 24-hour childcare facilities, community education to combat violence against women and the establishment of crisis lines and shelters for women and children in abusive situations.\nWe believe work at home, including childcare, should be shared so women can participate in society. We call for one year's paid leave for new parents. \nWe support the rights of all women to birth control information and supplies and to all reproductive health services (including abortion). We call for the banning of all involuntary sterilizations.\nWe support organizational structure based on such elements of feminist process as rotating leadership, gender balance and systems for insuring full and open participation in discussion and decision making.\nWe support links with women's sections of democratic socialist parties and women's right organizations worldwide.\nPeople of Color\nThe Socialist Party recognizes the intimate link between racism and capitalism and is committed to the creation of a pluralistic society and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in housing, jobs, education and health care.\nWe strongly support affirmative action, civil rights and anti-discrimination laws and programs to end institutional racism.\nWe call for protection of all Native American treaty rights, support for tribal schools and colleges, living wages on Native American reservations and democratization of power and wealth in tribal governments.\nWe oppose all efforts to declare English an official language. \nWe oppose the police practice of racial profiling.\nGay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender\nThe Socialist Party recognizes human and civil rights without regard to sexual orientation. We call for the repeal of all sodomy laws and anti-lesbian and gay restrictions, and the legalization of same-sex unions. We will confront the heterosexism that leads to homophobic violence, and support all efforts toward fostering understanding and cooperation among persons and groups of differing sexual orientations.\nPeople With Disabilities\nThe Socialist Party recognizes the human and civil rights of all, without regard to physical or psychological limitations.\nWe call for full enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act.\nWe call for a network of support for people with physical, mental and developmental disabilities (including home assistance, recreation centers, guaranteed income, voting access and quality control in residential facilities) that enable them to be as active as possible, and that fully protect their human and civil rights.\nWe call for the continuation of full Social Security benefits for people with disabilities who are able to work part-time.\nSeniors\nWe recognize the right of seniors to a dignified life, freed from economic hardship and discrimination in employment and credit. Adequate housing, income, health care and medication and access to social services should be guaranteed.\nWe support an increase in home service and hospice care for older people so they can remain independent in the community. We support the formation of publicly funded and democratically controlled senior centers to provide positive opportunities for community involvement.\nWe defend the right of seniors to a generous, publicly funded retirement income. We call for vigorous enforcement of standards for nursing homes, elderly advocates to ensure the protection of rights in nursing homes and a stimulating environment in group home and nursing home situations.\nYouth\nThe Socialist Party believes a person does not have fewer rights because he or she is a minor. We oppose measures that increase responsibilities and penalties on youth ostensibly to curb crime. We call for an end to military draft registration, and an end to military recruiting in educational institutions.\nWe call for children's allowances to satisfy every child's rights and needs in a stimulating environment.\nWe support the rights of parents, grandparents and other caring adults to share in the child-rearing process.\nWe support free, quality care and education for all children, federally financed and community controlled through elected local boards.\nFor more information, e-mail SocPartyIN@aol.com or visit www.bloomington.in.us/~debs2000/.

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