Last week, Illinois Review hosted a discussion about the removal of the Human Rights paragraph from the 2004 IL GOP platform. Thanks to platform committee member Joe Behnken that paragraph re-appears in the 2008 draft version.
Don Castella, Vernon Township Committeeman pointed out yesterday HERE on Illinois Review that the 2008 IL GOP draft platform is missing a crucial section that was in the 2004 version . . .
Before anyone blesses this IRP Platform revision, you should be aware that the following language, which clearly states support for families and traditional marriage, was stripped from the draft platform . . .
We're curious, too. Where's the 2004 IL GOP family plank?
To the citizens of Illinois, we commit ourselves to the following:
. To do all in our power to strengthen the families of Illinois;
. To ensure that high quality healthcare is available throughout our
State in both rural and urban areas;
. To reduce the size of government and the number of citizens
dependent upon government;
. To make our communities safer through reducing crime and drug use;
. To provide a foundation for job creation and business expansion
across the State and reduce regulations and taxes that smother the
free market;
. To restore fairness and balance to a legal system that has become
unfair and unbalanced;
. To commit necessary resources to combat terrorist attacks and to
fight and win the war on terror;
. To make our public schools among the best in the nation; and
. To protect the fundamental right to life and dignity of every human life including the lives of unborn children.
The following sections of Article 1 have been deleted and should be restored:
THE INDIVIDUAL
Our government is of limited power subject to the inalienable rights of each individual. The paramount right of an individual is the right to life. From the first beat of a heart to the last breath drawn, we recognize each individual’s dignity and worth. Government is obligated by law and by deed, to protect and defend each individual’s right to life, not only from government action, but also against a threat from another. The right to life is of such primacy that no government entity nor any person shall be allowed to take another’s life without due process of law and only under the most compelling and grave circumstances.
Government must defend and protect those who by age, disability or other affliction cannot protect themselves. This includes the protection of the unborn child.
Government should to the fullest extent as proper, recognize the right of each individual to live life, enjoy liberty and pursue happiness as he or she sees fit. Conversely, each individual must accept responsibility for the choices he or she makes and honor their duties to family and community.
Government shall not pick winners or losers, only assure everyone the same and equal rights. We believe fundamental rights are inherent to the individual, not to groups.
Individual rights – and the responsibilities that go with them – are the foundation of a free society. In protecting those rights, and in asserting those responsibilities, we affirm the common good, and common goals, that should unite all Americans.
Equality of individuals before the law has always been a cornerstone of our party. We therefore oppose discrimination based on sex, race, age, religion, creed, disability, or national origin and will vigorously enforce anti-discrimination statutes. As we strive to forge a consensus on the crucial issues of our time, we call on all to reject the forces of hatred and bigotry. Accordingly, we denounce all who practice or promote racism, anti-Semitism, ethnic prejudice, and religious intolerance.
THE FAMILY
PROTECT AND NURTURE OUR CHILDREN
The family is society’s central building block. Thus, efforts to strengthen family life are efforts to improve life for everyone.
We are committed to serving our children and the families raising them.
Our children need secure and nurturing environments. No law should be considered without fully contemplating the effect it would have on families and children.
Our laws should make it easier for families to provide a secure and nurturing environment for their children, not more difficult and more expensive.
The most secure and nurturing environment for a child is provided by two parents committed to each other and to the child. Our laws need to recognize this fundamental truth and not ignore it. Legislation designed to help parents provide for their children is not discriminatory toward non-married individuals, but it is necessary for maintaining a healthy and peaceful society.
FAMILIES AND MARRIAGE
Our laws should strongly support and celebrate the loving commitment a man and a woman make to each other in marriage. Our laws should strongly support and celebrate a loving, married couple bringing new life into the world and raising their children in a secure and nurturing environment from conception through adulthood.
No law should undermine the importance of that union, divide that union, nor unduly burden the efforts of parents to raise a family in a safe and nurturing environment.
No device, whether by judicial fiat or by the exercise of the powers of office, should be allowed to infringe upon the sanctity of marriage.
Working in support of traditional ethical and moral family values, including extended families, where persons support one another, and against governmental policies that undercut the health and safety of the family.
We support all efforts to honor marriage and recognize the fundamental importance of this noble institution. By this we do not denigrate nor disparage the loving commitment that adults make to each other that does not fall within the traditional construct of marriage. Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. We respect the freedom and liberty of individuals to live life and pursue happiness in their own lawful way.
COMMUNITY – FROM MANY - ONE
Each of us have certain rights that are inalienable and certain duties that are sacrosanct. Each of us owe a duty to family and to community. America’s strength is its diversity. The full richness of diversity can only be appreciated when each is free and equal regardless of his or her racial, ethnic, or religious background. Our laws must strike that delicate balance between diversity and unity. It is for that reason, that we Republicans champion policies designed to unite and not divide. We champion a Rule of Law that treats everyone equally while respecting diverse interests, talents and backgrounds.
As we respect our fellow citizens, we choose to settle our differences at the ballot box. No community thrives nor respects Democracy that does not also respect the importance of each vote cast by our citizens by failing to vigorously combat fraudulent voting activity or criminal conduct aimed at subverting the vote of the people.
We also need to have laws that allow for all of us to live in a safe, healthy and peaceful environment. Our communities must allow for a vibrant economic environment where individuals and groups acting together may use their knowledge, talents and industry to work and prosper.
