CIVIL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

As members of the party that wrote and passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Massachusetts Democrats support constitutional guarantees to all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, age, income, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.

We oppose discrimination in the workplace, in housing, in education and in every aspect of public life.

While acknowledging the need for increased security in the post-9/11 world, Massachusetts Democrats oppose the unconstitutional excesses of the United States Patriot Act and any other act that infringes on our constitutional rights.

We urge passage of laws to protect Massachusetts residents from unwarranted surveillance.

We support constitutional guarantees for refugees and immigrants.

We reaffirm our commitment to the Bill of Rights and its guarantees of freedom of assembly, freedom of religious expression, freedom of the press, and of the right to counsel.

We reaffirm our commitment to the constitutional guarantee of separation of church and state, and of the freedom to worship without governmental interference.

We oppose racial profiling in any form.

We affirm our commitment to the Massachusetts constitutional guarantee to same-sex marriage; and all of its rights, privileges and obligations; and reject any attempt to weaken or revoke those rights.

We support affirmative action initiatives, including initiatives within the Democratic Party.

We support and respect American Indian tribal sovereignty, including the rights of self-governance, self-determination, cultural preservation, religious freedom, and commitment to meeting trust obligations contained within treaties and executive orders.

We oppose any federal or state efforts to diminish tribal sovereignty and we support those Indian Nations in Massachusetts who are currently seeking federal recognition.