Take Action: Tell Congress To Oppose Detention Provisions In The Defense Authorization Bill!
Take Action: Tell Congress To Oppose Detention Provisions In The Defense Authorization Bill!
A recent amendment proposed by Senators Jim Webb (VA) and Mark Udall (CO) which would have removed unconstitutional detention provisions from the National Defense Appropriations bill has been defeated by the Senate.
These defense provisions authorize the military to indefinitely detain without charge individuals – including American citizens apprehended on U.S. soil – who are suspected of involvement with terrorism. A second section forces law enforcement officials to transfer a large category of terrorism suspects into military custody, against the advice of counterterrorism professionals. A third section will further institute restrictions on the transfer of cleared Guantanamo detainees.
By allowing American citizens to be detained indefinitely without trial, Congress is removing an important part of our system of checks and balances. Because of this unconstitutional action, the power of the Executive branch of government has been inappropriately expanded.
The American Humanist Association affirms the fundamental nature of a citizen's right to be free from involuntary and unconstitutional confinement. Congress has overlooked the severity of the harm done when potentially innocent citizens can be imprisoned indefinitely without a trial. Please take a moment to contact your Senator and ask them to oppose these provisions now.
These detention provisions are a significant step backwards in regards to civil liberties and the maintenance of the rule of law. I’m asking you, as a supporter of humanism and representative democracy, to make a difference and take action now.
Sincerely,
Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director
