GA Resolution: Transhuman Freedom Act

[Guy]

This is the discussion thread. Please go here to cast your vote.

Transhuman Freedom Act
A resolution to improve worldwide human and civil rights.

Category: Human Rights
Strength: Significant
Proposed by: Vesintor


Description: ACKNOWLEDGING an individual’s right to do with his or her own body what they will, as long as it doesn’t violate another’s rights;

UNDERSTANDING that with today’s growing technology, people have the ability to modify themselves for aesthetic, health-related, and performance-enhancing purposes;

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING these technologies have the potential to affect the human race for the better, if utilized with care;

Definitions:

TRANSHUMANISM is hereby defined as an field of study relating to the use of science and technology to improve human mental and physical characteristics and capacities

INDIVIDUALS (as used in this resolution) are hereby defined as citizens that have reached the age of majority and are regarded as mentally competent in their nation.

TRANSHUMAN INDIVIDUALS are hereby defined as individuals that have chosen to use science and technology to improve human mental and physical characteristics and capacities, as was defined above.

MODIFICATION(as used in this resolution) is hereby defined as any and all of the following:

•Gene manipulation (extraction of an individual’s genes, injection of genes, gene splicing)

•Artificial limbs implemented in an individual

•Laboratory grown organs or appendages implemented in an individual

•RFID chips/any other type of chip that can be inserted under the skin (excluding wood chips) implemented in an individual

•Implementation of nanobots in an individual

•Any mechanical/tech device that has become a permanent part of the individual (Ex: HUD overlay on retina)

The WA hereby decrees:

•No nation shall pass alaw prohibiting the implementation of a modification in an individual that has given informed consent to have it implemented;

•Transhuman individuals will be treated as equals, with the same rights and laws applying to them as to any other human being

•Modification of any individual without their informed consent is hereby prohibited and recognized as criminal;

•In addition, the World Assembly hereby founds BRETH (Bureau for the Research and Ethics of Transhumanism)

•Modification of any human beings that do not fall under the definition of an individual as defined above will require the informed consent of an advocate, and will be deemed criminal if decided by BRETH to be cruel or harmful to the human being in question.

BRETH’s purpose is to discuss the ethics of the various fields of transhumanist technologies; and to discuss future applications of technology in the realm of transhumanism.

BRETH hereby has the power to decide whether a modification is cruel or harmful to a human being not falling under the definition of an individual, thus making it criminal.

[ImperialPoland]

i can't even point out all that is wrong with this proposal. no, just no...

[Eist]

Ditto. It's insane.

[Olivia the Pig]

Normally I'm for human rights proposals, but this goes way too far.

[La Vida De Sangre]

Against.

That is just wrong...

[Takaram]

Same as Olivia. Nay

[daitru]

I find it absurd that none of you have stated reasons. Protecting the rights of transhumanists from oppression seems like exactly the sort of thing the WA exists for. Mind pointing out what is wrong with it?

~Daitru

[Guy]

Yes.

The resolution gives my citizens the right to modify their body, without any limitations. Specifically, they can manipulate their genes in any manner.

[racrova]

After careful consideration and long negotiations, the government of Racrova has issued the following statement:

What a person does to their body is their own business. Legislation restricting such individual freedoms are unconstitutional in Racrova.

Nevertheless we acknowledge the right of every nation to pass laws based on its citizens' ethical and religious views. We do not blame a foreign government for outlawing so-called "transhuman modifications" for moral or religious reasons.

We are therefore AGAINST this proposal. It is none of the WA's business to commend such a morally disputed topic. The WA comprises thousands of nations with thousands of different cultures. Given this diversity, we are outraged at the lack of respect the WA seems to have towards its members' cultures.

[Takaram]

I'd like to point out that allowing the passage of this resolution would essentially allow the creation of superhumans. Sounds great, until you consider the fact that these superhumans will be people who can afford such modifications. Essentially, allowing this resolution to pass will create a physically superior upper class. If you think that there is social equality now, wait until all of the richest people can afford to have themselves and their children become the strongest, smartest and fastest people in each nation.

[Globexanter]

I like what Takaram has just said.
Also, think of what would happen if they where to have mutative effects...

[ImperialPoland]

well, the reason Racrova gave is dead on with my reasoning behind voting against. Besides, messing around with our genes and doing other "modifications" just for fun is a breach in my moral beliefs. It'd be something totally different if done for medical/health reasons...

[Markanite]

I am ... surprising voting no

[Walabamba]

I'm against

[Echolilia]

"Transhuman Freedom Act" was defeated 3,983 votes to 1,942.