You probably have all heard about Iceland using facebook to write their constitution. Apparently I'm the last to know (thanks, Time, for bringing me up to date). Other that the fact that elves weren't mentioned at all in the working draft, the constitution spoke freedom. The human rights section says basically what the US constitution says, but in a clearer language. The working draft even laid out the need to preserve Iceland's natural resources. It is a great read. The only thing I would suggest is to read carefully. The website is written in Icelandic, and Google translator is not the best. It basically translates each word literally, making the document confusing in places. Even though a lot of English words derive from Icelandic, the Icelandic language itself is pure viking. Seriously, If you ever wonder what vikings sounded like, visit Iceland. The direct translation of Nauðungarvinnu skal engum gert að leysa af hendi, is should be no forced labor required to perform. I am learning Icelandic, I know that the language is full of Yoda like sentences. The working document can be found here.
If you don't want to wade through the translation, here is the slacker chic version of the Human rights section.
1. Human Dignity
The right to life. Also that the "complexity of human life must be respected."
2. Equal Rights Rule
Explicitly states what discrimination everyone has the right to be free from. There is no tricky language here. The human experience has the right to be free from. "sex, age, genotype, geographic location, economic, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, opinion, politics, relationship, religion, language, origin, birth, or status in other extent." Men and women have equal rights.
3. Protection of Rights
The translation of this amendment is a little tricky. I'm pretty sure it means that the rights listed on this constitution can only be changed, or not applied to any person, if the right is in violation of public interest.
4. Human Dignity
The right to be free from assault at home or in public. Explicitly states the right to be free of sexual assault.
5. Privacy
This is another confusing translation. Basically, no one has the right to search an others belongings, or read documents addressed to another person or owned by another person, or any other private matter without a court order.
6. Rights of Children
This could possibly be my favorite. I have always hated how children are always told they don't have any rights. Well, according to the working draft if Iceland's new constitution, they do. Children have the right to be children. And, they have the right to have opinions as well as express those opinions.
7. Freedom of Expression
Basically the US first amendment.
8. Freedom of Information
The right to gather and reveal information.
9. Press Freedom (or Freedom of the Press.)
Protects journalists, sources and informants.
10. Freedom of Cultural and Educational
The freedom to science, education, and the arts.
11. Religious freedoms
"All have the right to religious and philosophical convictions. This includes the right to change religion or belief, or [to be] non-religious." I want this for America.
12. Religion
Establishes Evan Gaelic Lutheran Church as the official state church. Again, this is the working document I am commenting on.
13. Association
Any one may start or join an association without applying for permission to do so.
14. Freedom
Not sure at all what this means. Anyone care to guess? "Association may be dissolved by an executive. Police may be of general meetings."
15. Citizenship
Lays down the rules for citizenship.
16. Movement
No one can be denied the ability to leave the country of Iceland. With the exception of a court order.
17. Deprivation of Liberty
"No one shall be deprived of his liberty except as authorized by law."
18. Prohibition of Retroactive Punishment
Basically, you can't be punished for something you did before the law was put into effect, after the law is already in effect.
19. Prohibition of Inhumane Treatment
No death penalty and no forced labor.
20. Ban on Military Service
There is no military.
21. Fair Procedures
Everyone is entitled to a fair and speedy trial.
22. Health Services
People are entitled to the best physical and mental health possible and are "legally guaranteed right of access to reasonable, appropriate, and adequate health care.
23. Education
Everyone is guaranteed free primary education.
24. Employment
Regulated working conditions.
25. Social Rights
Covers social security and social assistance.
26. Ownership
Ownership is a protected, personal manner, unless it goes against the public interest.
27. Cultural Property
Valuable cultural assets cannot be destroyed, sold, or mortgaged.
28. Natural Resources
Natural resources cannot be owned, sold (they obviously don't have PG&E), or mortgaged.
29. Iceland Nature
Nature should be respected and protected.
30. Disclosure and Consultation
"The authorities are obligated to inform the public about the state of the environment and the effect on it." I just thought the quote summed it up better than I could.
31. Animal Protection
This is defiantly my favorite. This amendment protects animals against mistreatment and extinction.
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