Resolution 6240: Rights of Sentience Reaffirmation [PASSED]

[Cecily Demici]

[POST PRIVATE CAUCUS MEETING]​

The Senate was in full session by 9:00am sharp. The repulsorpods had almost all been filled with their respective delegations and the hall was overcome with loud, incoherent chatter. It was the delegation from Onderon that broke the silence.

"Senators of the Galactic Republic," the cool voice of Cecily Demici boomed over the noise as her pod soared out into the center of the room, "I come before you today on behalf of the people of Onderon to submit for consideration: Galactic Senate Resolution 6240 which states...

Whereas... the Galactic Republic believes in the full and equal freedoms of all sentient beings;

Whereas... the enslavement of a sentient being deprives that being of their freedoms;

Whereas...the Rights of Sentience Act was enacted to both enshrine sentient rights and forever outlaw the practice of slavery within sovereign Galactic Republic territory;

and Whereas... this Galactic Senate seeks to further assure the Galaxy of our commitment to the ideals of freedom and democracy;

Therefore Be It Resolved... that this Galactic Senate does hereby reaffirm its unwavering support of the freedoms enshrined the Rights of Sentience Acts;

and Be It Further Resolved... that this Galactic Senate does hereby condemn the continued practice of slavery throughout the Galaxy;

and Be It Further Resolved... that this Galactic Senate is committed to holding meaningful dialogue with galactic bodies in the hope that the rights and freedoms of all sentient beings may be recognized throughout the galaxy.

As Cecily finished, she waited a moment for shouts of agreement to subside, raising her hands in recognition of support. "Senators, Prime Minister, on behalf of the People of Onderon, I move the immediate adoption of this resolution!" With this, her repulsorpod returned to its original place and she patiently awaited the roll call.

A resolution was, of course, a non-binding action by the Senate, but it sent a very powerful message about their stance on the subject of slavery. One that Cecily hoped rang loud and clear throughout the Galaxy.

[member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Ordon Trozky"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Arcana Adasca"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Lionel Roux"] [member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Ned Rostu"] ([member="Veriks-Kel"]) [member="Amelia Isadora"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Cade Lee"] [member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Lana Carde]

[member="Cecily de Demici"]


Persephone gave a slight frown. Quietly, she would inch forward to review the proposed bill. Her lips would thin, that fan of her lightly sending a rose scented breeze over her fine unmarred skin.

Aquamarine eyes would then flick up towards the Senator of Onderon. Once the murmurs would die down, she would be the first to speak.

"Senator de Demici," she began, the cultured sound of her voice echoing across the Senate Hall.

"Could you please elaborate how this is any different from the Anti Slavery Act?" this was in direct reference to a bill that had passed vote and now was enforced within Republic territory...

At least one would hope!

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily turned her attention to the Senator of Hapes and raised her eyebrows in annoyance. Despite being out of order as a motion was on the floor, Cecily decided to break protocol and respond. "I remind the honorable Senator of Hapes that this resolution, which is a symbolic measure passed without force of law, is meant to reiterate the dedication of the Galactic Republic to the Rights of Sentience Act."

"Perhaps the honorable Senator has misunderstood?" she suggested gently.

[member="Persephone Callas"]

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

Well, this was interesting. Being the rather firm-footed political figure that she was, Geneviève had no intents on feigning lack of amusement at this proposal. Essentially, it was just a reaffirmation of a long-standing law, with a resolution to 'speak' with outside nations about the crime of trafficking as the only complement. The entire thing was a waste of time to her.

Nothing offensive could be found within the bill, however. So Gen merely decided to lean back and enjoy the show.

 

[Vhaeri]

That kind of felt like a déjà vu. She remembered how the bill of Anti-Slavery act had passed and how she had supported it. But why was there a need for a resolution about it? She had not heard of Republic planets violating the law, only of other factions doing that. But the point was, they had no control over the other governments and their people.

"Senator de Demici, may I ask what is the reasoning for proposing this resolution?"

She was still a young senator and was not the best at politics, but she did try to advance. And if it came to talking about things that already been discussed in the Senate, she felt slightly more comfortable.

[ [member="Cecily de Demici"] ]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily hadn't expected to meet any resistance to a resolution with such noble assertions. Nevertheless, she stood again after a glance off uncertainty shared with her aides. "I temporarily withdraw the motion for a vote pending debate, seeing as there seems to be no regard for procedure this morning," her statement was lighthearted, but deep down she was slightly annoyed at the break in protocol.

"To the honorable Senator of Lunar Meadows, I submit that the Galactic Republic is an institution built on the belief that all sentient beings are created equal... need we a reason to reaffirm this position? Especially in such trying times? Must we not be seen by the Galaxy as a beacon of hope and equality for all."

"It is one thing to allow a law to lay stagnant in the archives of the Republic, it is another to actively seek to enforce its stipulations and spread the ideals enshrined within."

[member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"]

 

[Vhaeri]

Aliannah nodded.

"Thank you for your answer, Senator de Demici," she spoke. Well, it was good to reaffirm such things, but there were countless other laws that she saw being disobeyed in extreme heights and she believed they would need a lot more of such enforcement; more than this one.

It was a good law and she didn't have much against the reaffirmation. But she did decide it was the time on focus on more important laws in the future.

For that moment, however, she did not go on to voting, but wanted to see what was going to happen next.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay listened and watched with great interest. She had helped to free many slaves, mostly from Sempra the Hutt's clutches and those acts had given her a bit of unwanted attention. Though she had many powerful allies and friends that always watched her back.

"If I may, Senator de Demici, I believe that it is a wonderful resolution that I stand behind 100 percent. Slavery is something that I've been working hard to abolish. There is no place for it in the Galaxy anymore."

 

[Cecily Demici]

"I think we have heard enough debate on this issue, Senators, the goal is clear: to demonstrate to the galaxy... and to your constituents," she stopped to allow the word to echo loudly throughout the Senate Chamber, hoping to remind the Senators of the danger of voting down a resolution that condemns slavery, "that you are PERSONALLY dedicated to stomping out any remaining strongholds of sentient abuse in the galaxy."

"Onderon votes yes on the adoption of this resolution."

 

[Liliane]

[ Posting this on behalf of Aliannah, who is no longer a member of this faction. Sorry for the inconvenience. ]

Aliannah nodded once again, sighed and voted for the resolution.

"Lunar Meadow votes for the adoption of this resolution."

Although she felt like there was not much of a need for the resolution, she did think it wouldn't take a piece of her to vote yes for that. Plus, perhaps the people and the High Princess of Lunar Meadow wanted to make it sure there was no slavery.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay felt as though her stance on the issue was already taken to account. But just in case it wasn't, she made it official. "Commenor votes yes on the adoption of this resolution as well."

 

[Valen Cerezo]

"The people of Reecee that I represent will support this resolution," Valen said, his voice booming slightly as he cast his vote in favor. "Though we may not have our homeworld currently, those of us that have sought refuge amongst our current holdings will always support the rights all sentients should enjoy."

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily nodded respectfully from her pod as the Senators of Lunar Meadows, Reecee, and Commenor raised their voices in support of the measure. Then she turned her eyes on the rest of the Senators assembled and hardened her gaze. It was soft and sweet, but she made prolonged eye contact with as many of them as she could to punctuate the necessity of voting yes.

Senators were allotted a certain amount of time to get to the chamber to vote, so she hoped by the end of that time she at least had the majority. The Prime Minister would announce the result soon.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Ordon Trozky"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Arcana Adasca"] [member="Ater Notechis"] [member="Persephone Callas"] [member="Alyssa Onasi"] [member="Lionel Roux"] [member="Aliannah Sophia Filia"] [member="Macharius Solaire"] [member="Max Rumor"] [member="Ned Rostu"] ([member="Veriks-Kel"]) [member="Aurelia Volcata"] [member="Amelia Isadora"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Cade Lee"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked up the Original Act[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The Anti-Slavery Act[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]- recognizing that there is no current law in the Galactic Republic that prohibits or even monitors slavery,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]- believing that the Galactic Republic should not tolerate slavery of any kind,[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]- therefore this act officially prohibits all types of slavery in every planet in the Galactic Republic.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]- Any citizen or official no matter their wealth or social rank found to be trading, smuggling, or possessing slaves will be punished with a fine no less than 10,000 Galactic credits, and / or at least one year in prison.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Then she looked over at the Act presented by Cecily –[/SIZE]

Whereas... the Galactic Republic believes in the full and equal freedoms of all sentient beings;

Whereas... the enslavement of a sentient being deprives that being of their freedoms;

Whereas...the Rights of Sentience Act was enacted to both enshrine sentient rights and forever outlaw the practice of slavery within sovereign Galactic Republic territory;

and Whereas... this Galactic Senate seeks to further assure the Galaxy of our commitment to the ideals of freedom and democracy;

Therefore Be It Resolved... that this Galactic Senate does hereby reaffirm its unwavering support of the freedoms enshrined the Rights of Sentience Acts;

and Be It Further Resolved... that this Galactic Senate does hereby condemn the continued practice of slavery throughout the Galaxy;

and Be It Further Resolved... that this Galactic Senate is committed to holding meaningful dialogue with galactic bodies in the hope that the rights and freedoms of all sentient beings may be recognized throughout the galaxy.

[SIZE=12pt]Faith smiled, the only thing missing was what happen to those found was a clause to outline what happened to individuals or companies that endorsed slavery, or dealt in slavery. So they need another one to remind themselves that the Republic didn’t like slavery. It wasn’t likely that anyone forgot. But what was this last item, this last bit Senate is committed to hold meaningful dialogue …she laughed so what it was she believed was a clause that allowed the Senators, and the Republic to work with Slavers, classifying it as “meaningful dialogue”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Politicians, we were a people of colorful language weren’t they.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She wasn't known for being silent, Faith stood up, " A question for the Senator from Onderon, is the last item mean to give permission for the Republic to hold meetings with slavers under the guise of meaningful dialogue?" She could be way off, but Faith being herself had to ask.[/SIZE]

[member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Lilin Imperieuse"] [member="Vhaeri"] [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] [member="Persephone Callas"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily was discussing something with her attendants now, but her head jerked to attention as she heard a laugh. Her limits had been tested and they had been found. Onderon's repulsorpod practically shot like a canon ball out of its spot and rounded on the delegation of Alderaan.

"I apologize, Madame Prime Minister, but it seems our honorable delegate from Alderaan has been simply overcome with a case of the giggles!" Cecily's tone was sing song and polite, but she made her annoyance clear in other ways. "Perhaps the issue presented here is not one needing serious deliberation, but one that can be summarized in a good old fashioned laugh." Her smile couldn't have been sweeter as the pod turned in place to face the rest of the Senate.

"I remind the Senator of Alderaan yet again that a Resolution unlike a Bill is a non binding symbolic statement by the Galactic Senate to reaffirm our stance on something," she sounded rather exhausted, this being the third or fourth time she'd had to explain this to a room full of legislators. "Now, if there are any other questions about how legally binding this resolution is, I would direct you all to the following selection," she touched a few buttons on her control and a BLIP OF INFORMATION would appear for all Senators to read in their spare time.

"But, to answer your question Senator Balor-Organa, the last paragraph you are referring to... the on that made you giggle," her face did not show anger or contempt when she turned to look at the young woman, but disappointment, "essentially says to all that do not hold these sentient lives sacred, we are willing to sit across from you as equals, and show you just why they are. Because that is how the Galactic Republic has succeeded for millennia, through open hearts, open minds, and diplomacy." Cecily closed her eyes for a moment and put her fingers to her temples as the pod swiveled and soared back to its place. She was a little beside herself at the moment.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Cecily de Demici"]​

​

[SIZE=12pt]It was exactly what Faith thought, a way to sit with criminals. And again Faith smiled. So what was the Senator up to that she needed a bill that gave her the allowance to meet with criminals that would go against Republic policy surely it was not to show the Republic’s open hearts, open minds.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith also knew the difference but perhaps for those who did not the blip of information would be helpful. All too often people especially politicians hid their true actions in the cover of words twisting them to mean what they needed.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith looked down at the floor she had to get hold of herself this was why she didn’t make a good Senator her thoughts on things were just too much on the surface she would not be good at playing sabaac.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=12pt]She closed her eyes took a breath and withdrew her smile her eyes however looked over to Senator de DeMici all while Faith thought, I don’t know what you are up to, but in time all things come to light.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“So you wish to go and fraternize with the Hutts and not worry about repercussions from being seen with them” Faith arched a brow, “Who among this illustrious body of Senators would prevent you from doing such a thing” Faith bit the tip of her tongue she could hear her own sarcasm and reminded herself where she stood.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“If you wish to go to the Hutts I see no reason to stop you” The Senator could end up a slave girl in a bikini costume before Sempra himself.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith would be watching this closely.[/SIZE]

Valen Cerezo Lady Kay Lilin Imperieuse Vhaeri Geneviève Lasedri Persephone Callas

 

[Geneviève Lasedri]

The frak. The Prime Minister immediately arose from her chair. "I'd rather not disparage the senator from Alderaan, Senator Demici. A resolution may not be a bill, but that is only if a resolution is indeed a resolution." Gen nodded to Faith, for once feeling shown up by the younger woman. She had caught something somewhere that Lasedri had failed to notice. Was this proposal actually the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothes?

And this Hutt thing--was it firing blind? Gen hoped Organa had her ducks in a row. This could seriously injure the public standing of either of the quarreling senators depending on what the truth was. "What, exactly, is the Republic reaffirming here? Or why?" Was it a trap?

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"], [member="Cecily de Demici"], [member="Valen Cerezo"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Persephone Callas"]

 

[Cecily Demici]

Cecily looked up from her hands, scandalized that the Prime Minister would even dare imply she had ulterior motives. Every Senator present knew damn well what she was doing and she would have no more of this facade of shocked faces. They didn't call her the Hammer for nothing, it's time she nailed a few things down. Her pod shot like a bullet back onto the Senate floor.

"It is no secret that the Hutts have approached the Republic with an offer for peace, a treaty of mutual defense," she began, "but concerns about their support of slavery were raised by my colleagues and I thought it prudent to reaffirm our stance AGAINST slavery before such a treaty was even considered."

"You should hardly be surprised, considering," she almost hissed, giving a Faith a look before turning back to the Prime Minister. She would not return her pod to her place until she was sure debate had been closed this time.

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"]

 

[Ilias Nytrau]

What politician didn't have ulterior motives? The ruling class, no matter how it was formed or where - or of whom it was composed - was full of self-serving, duplicitous individuals, whether it was overt or a singular focus. One did not grow up within the noble houses of Brentaal without having this fact enveloped by the very soul in its bottommost depths. To vie for power was human nature, and the Brentaalan senator had a bevy of opinions and convictions on the subject of humanity and... otherwise.

Not for public consumption, at any rate.

Brentaal did not abide slavery within its own territory, but the proclivities of other worlds and cultures were none of its business, when it came down to brass tacks. The last Lord to engage in the slave trade had done so many, many years before Ordon's time - rumours matched with recorded fact, embellishing for the hook such stories needed - and had been summarily humiliated in front of and by his peers, stripped of his titles and ejected from Brentaalan society and the planet itself. It was in this way that he silently conferred with the Hall of Lords, mulling over the reasons why their world would or would not support this resolution.

Ordon, for his part, waited for the cattiness to be set aside before airing his support or not...

[member="Geneviève Lasedri"] | [member="Cecily de Demici"] | [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] | [member="Valen Cerezo"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Persephone Callas"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

[member="Ordon Trozky"] [member="Geneviève Lasedri"] [member="Cecily de Demici"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Valen Cerezo"] [member="Persephone Callas"]

Kay just sat back and waited. She hated slavery and knew that Sempra would never quit the slave trade. There was too much money in it. Yet the whole idea of him wanting a peace deal with the Republic was puzzling to her.

Still she would do whatever it took to free as many of his slaves as possible and disrupt his slave trade. She had inside info on the Cartel, allies of sorts, and she was lucky that didn't wish her harm, despite the attitude of the others towards her.