Faction The Equal Rights Act | GA Senate

[Lodd Grimmin]

EQUAL RIGHTS ACT

Sycorax Laveaux Lehvi Vass Rens Ahim Alicio Organa Auteme Casteban Mecetti Atos Vodus Val Aranda Corrine de Montaigne Kha'la Daaray ​

The Minister of the Trade Federation cast a quick glance at Auteme , the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance, pondering for a moment. Unlike her predecessor, she made no effort to conceal her disdain for corporations. However, she did share the belief that the whole issue was trivial and insisted on an immediate vote on the Equal Rights Act.

Despite senators expressing differing opinions in the ongoing debate, it appeared that the issue was progressing naturally. While the Minister was unable to vote officially due to a recent rule change, there were still chances to provide suggestions that could address the concerns of both sides.

Currently, the primary arguments revolved around the potential violation of planetary rights, considering the Hapes Consortium's past on the galactic stage. However, the counter-argument emphasized that the alliance should be a welcoming space for all individuals to flourish, irrespective of their sex, gender, or identity.

"Senators and other Representatives, There are plenty of arguments to be made for and against the Equal Rights Act proposed by the Senator of Dahrtag. However if we are committed to the core ideas of our Alliance, we should hold planetary referendums which will allow the Sovereign Systems within our Alliance make up their mind through citizen participation instead of imposing legislation."

Typically, the Minister paid little attention to such debates, considering them nothing more than a nuisance in the Federal Assembly. However, there did arise an occasion to delve into different avenues for gaining influence within the Trade Federation.

 

[Dassid Hydia]

Sycorax Laveaux Lehvi Vass Rens Ahim Alicio Organa Auteme Casteban Mecetti
Atos Vodus Val Aranda Corrine de Montaigne Kha'la Daaray Lodd Grimmin​

---

"Senator Organa makes a wise point," illumination bathed the duros representative, "Yet until now this Senate has concerned itself mostly with matters of trade law and foreign policy."

Hydia wore a fineweave sherculién-cloth robe. Upon his shoulders rested a mantle of tyrian shimmersilk. It caught the light bathing his podium in dazzling patterns. Although he was new to intergalactic politics the trade alliance Duro enjoyed with its neighbor Corellia was an economic force to be reckoned with. His predecessor had been infamous and even at times controversial for their ill temper and interventionist policies.

"When confronted with labor exploitation or darkside cults we have governed with broad consensus. This legislation has the potential to uplift many from intolerable prejudice, but it also sets a precedent which might one day be wielded to savagely curtail those rights for others."

He remained stoic under the scrutiny of holocam droids. Tensions between some senators became uncomfortable. Passions rarely seen in the open on a cutthroat world like Coruscant.

"I have always believed the Alliance was a beacon of justice," Das placed one hand over his heart, "We guide the galaxy's way out of darkness. Before making a final determination, I would like to know more about the penalties inflicted upon worlds with systemic deficiencies. Is it reasonable to trust in planetary governments to conform without federal oversight? Great care must be taken to ensure our best intentions don't cause more suffering."

 

[Casteban Mecetti]

​

Casteban shook his head.

"Obulette can not endorse a bill that interferes with noble succession, however well-intentioned it may be.

Today, you will mandate which sexes are eligible for succession.

Tomorrow, you will mandate that age can not be considered, and thereby obviate succession principles that favor the eldest child.

By Friday, you will decry the preference for noble lineages at all, and will see the Noble Houses unwound and dissipated altogether.

No.

The leadership principles of Alliance member worlds must be inviolable. The nobility must be protected against interference.

While we wait for the answer to my Colleague Hydia's question about what sorts of pain and punishment the Alliance will inflict in order to enforce its interference with our leadership processes, know that my answer is No.

Obulette rejects this proposed bill."

---

​

Sycorax Laveaux

​

Lehvi Vass

​

Rens Ahim

​

Alicio Organa

​

Auteme

​

Casteban Mecetti

​

Atos Vodus

​

Val Aranda

​

Corrine de Montaigne

​

Kha'la Daaray

​

Lodd Grimmin Dassid Hydia

 

[Lehvi Vass]

With out hesitation she then turned to Lehvi Vass. "Do you think your people are willing to give equal standing in your society to the Balawai whom there has long been prejudice with as well as tribal conflicts among the people of Haruun Kal. You think that just goes away cause a law is in acted those fences have to be mended on the world by its people not with threats of fines or bloodshed from an outside military. Last time tha thappened it only made the situation worse."

Lehvi smiled genially. "Thank you for allowing me to address this point, Senator. The A'Har Federation, in fact, does give off-world settlers equal standing in society! While it does do you a great credit that you have done some research on the history of Haruun Kal, we don't use the term 'Balawai'- it's considered pejorative.

"Now, understandably, the road to reconciliation is long, and continues; off-world settlers, in attempting extract resources from Haruun Kal, found themselves conflict with the Korunnai, who have relied on the very resources they were trying to extract. This was the cause of the Summertime Wars, which, up until recently, stretched well into the Pre-Gulag era, with intermittent times of peace. In those times of 'peace', we were treated as second-class citizens, at best. In war time? Slaughter.

"So how did we get from there to reconciling? Because we decided that we were tired of burying our sons and daughters behind a war nobody can remember the origins of, that was passed from father to child like a family heirloom. Because we dared to envision a better Haruun Kal to give to our children. So we united as one people, beat them on the battlefield, expelled the Confederacy for grievous war crimes, and we allowed the settlers the opportunity to stay on Haruun Kal- provided they follow our laws. We've even made trade deals with organizations like the Trade Federation- trade deals that have secured our future. So, no Senator- centuries of acrimony does not just 'go away'. But someone has to take the steps to achieve peace- not simply engage in settling grievances.

'But Lehvi, you solved it yourselves, you didn't need outside help, doesn't that prove my point?' Lehvi paused, gathering himself. "If the Alliance had stepped in to stop the madness, at any point, I tell you this: I wouldn't have hesitated to accept their help. If 'tradition' would dictate I should have refused to find a way to end the slaughter because I could not find a way to punish my oppressors in a way I deem proportionate to the friends and family that have been killed, then I would not be fit to rule.

"So, in summation, Senator, you erred in your comparison. Because when the Korunnai had the opportunity to end a bitter, centuries long conflict and move forward, with the deck stacked in our favor? We could have exacted retribution. We could have extracted a pound of flesh. But we chose reconciliation, and Haruun Kal is stronger for it. I hope the Hapans- and any world that feels the same way- does the same."

Sycorax Laveaux | Alicio Organa | Rens Ahim | Lodd Grimmin | Auteme | Casteban Mecetti | Phoenix Kasari | Kha'la Daaray | Corrine de Montaigne Val Aranda | Atos Vodus | Dassid Hydia

 

[Balthus Larr]

After confirming that yes, barring any extenuating circumstances, he had to be there in person for his vote to count, the Senator from Denon reluctantly cancelled his appointment with the Zeltronian masseuse.

Personally, Balthus thought it best to let the bill die. Equality legislation was a slippery slope; while Denon didn't have any cultural inhibitions regarding women (or men) in power, he certainly didn't want the Senate getting any ideas for lifting up the common man.

They belonged beneath the heel of the wealthy. His heel, specifically.

But, credits were credits and ultimately Balthus did not care about eliminating sexism on worlds that he deemed to be less developed. Let them whine about their history and alleged culture - his vote had been bought and paid for.

"Denon stands in support of the Equal Rights Act."

Larr licked his thumb, ran it against his overly-gelled slicked back hair, and continued browsing for escorts on his datapad.

Sycorax Laveaux Alicio Organa Rens Ahim Lodd Grimmin Auteme Casteban Mecetti Phoenix Kasari Kha'la Daaray Corrine de Montaigne Val Aranda Atos Vodus Lehvi Vass Dassid Hydia

 

[Rens Ahim]

Rens raised an eyebrow at how Senator Kesari brought up Fort Tusken. She did seriously think that issue is the same as oppressing people of one gender or another? He actually wanted to hear Hapes' Queen Mother out and Kesari interrupted it. But he didn't fire back immediately but again carefully weighed it while others spoke on. Finally he replied.

"I would be the first to call for its change Senator Kesari. In fact that has been recently discussed on Bestine and I would be willing for that reform to be made and if it takes Federal assistance to do that then so be it. We can always choose another name that fits more of Bestine heritage and than a reference to another world."

The Mon Calamari paused and sighed, collecting himself.

"A number of you keep bringing up the planetary and cultural rights and the dangers of government outreach. I personally don't believe in federal involvement on many matters of life such as what clothing I wear or what language I speak or observing Mon Calamari traditions. As long as specific traditions are not abusive toward sentient beings I’m for different cultures to be respected and defended. When it comes to the safety and well being of fellow citizens, there are times when intervention is necessary."

Holding on to the podium he went on.

"Your proposed solution is to just let all societies to reform themselves completely at their own pace and the federal government to stay out of the way. For how long I ask you fellow delegates? A few months, a year or another millennium perhaps? That is assuming we have that long of an existence.

Though I agree it is the people who should lead reform but inspiration can aid or reinforce that effort such as a law. But if they can't find it in law then we all run the risk of extremism and violence becoming a greater temptation for the oppressed as galactic history repeatedly shows when societies refuse to be flexible.

I do not call for the dissolution of monarchies nor the destruction of planetary rights but rather promote the equality of our citizens regardless of what worlds they hail from."

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

In what was perhaps the most predictable turn of events in this entire debate, the Senator of Corulag announced her support of the ERA. Harder to parse was the mysterious blonde who dissented after her. Sycorax had never seen this woman (teenager?) in her life and didn’t even know what planet she was representing. The system which normally offered small biographies of each member of the Senate apparently had no file on her, returning an error message.

No matter. She was a blonde of the dumb variety.

"You speak of freedom, yet, you advocate to force change upon a planet's culture."

“Only if the planet’s culture isn’t free,” Sycorax replied with a shrug, leaving her at the mercy of Senator Vass.

Up next was the Senator of Thyrsus, the whitest Thyrsian she had ever seen. He opposed, but seemed to back off a little after being on the receiving end of an Ahim and Organa double whammy. Or maybe he was just new to the whole Senate gig and nervous.

"This law also reduces the time for new member planets to comply with Alliance Laws. This should be noted by all Senators. A council leadership or even a dictator are not likely to enforce a sudden change in laws planetary wide so quickly."

“To answer the question of Senator Vodus: all citizens of the Alliance enjoy certain rights, including many of those outlined in the ERA. The problem is, those rights are presumed rather than officially enshrined at the federal level, through precedents set by more specific laws or court rulings. This leads to the abuse of loopholes at the planetary level, one of the most common of which is continually extending the date at which point they must cooperate with federal law. In order to reduce this abuse, we must enforce a hard deadline.”

Representative Vass went on to verbally spar with Senator Kasari. Sycorax was starting to enjoy herself. They hadn’t had a debate this lively in a hot minute. Then the Senator of Duro asked a legitimate question:

"Before making a final determination, I would like to know more about the penalties inflicted upon worlds with systemic deficiencies. Is it reasonable to trust in planetary governments to conform without federal oversight?”

“We will not overthrow planetary governments should they fail to comply, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Sycorax answered firmly. “Legal measures will be taken. Citizens will be emboldened to sue for their rights and judges encouraged to rule in their favor. I won’t pretend that every trace of prejudice or inequality in society will disappear overnight, but it’s a start.”

Obulette refused to endorse the bill. Sycorax just smiled at the sour old man. Her expression widened into a grin when Denon announced his support. She’d have to thank the Ambassador for Lao-mon for her generous donation later.

The Senate was divided evenly 5v5, with only a few stragglers left still needing to pick a side. Hopefully Senator Hydia would come down in favor of the ERA and tip the scales.

Alicio Organa Kha'la Daaray Phoenix Kasari Casteban Mecetti Auteme Lodd Grimmin Lehvi Vass Rens Ahim Corrine de Montaigne Val Aranda Atos Vodus Dassid Hydia Balthus Larr​

 

[Atos Vodus]

Kha'la Daaray | Phoenix Kasari | Corrine de Montaigne | Sycorax Laveaux |
Alicio Organa | Casteban Mecetti | Auteme | Lodd Grimmin | Rens Ahim | Val Aranda​

Vodus sighed, it felt like the Senate was hard pressed to do petty squabbling of what is right and what is wrong. He felt there was eventually going to be disheartened individuals after this debate. That some Senators may leave, essentially, a 'bad taste' in anothers mouth. A despoiling of reputations because of their thoughts or opinions, rather than actual, valuable action. Atos made his vote, and he was going to leave this deliberation with something for everyone to think on, opposed or for.

Atos stood up, moving his repulsorpod closer to the center to give his final sentiments on the matter, "As we deliberate here over the oppressed of many worlds, many of us are outraged that the Galactic Alliance have not already done something about the situation. Many senators see those in opposition as morally egregious. No one here denies that the oppression of the different sexes is an abuse of the powerless, and this senate hearing has been called as a reaction to what is perceived as evil. Letting evil commit evil, is evil. But the opposing senators are consciously evaluating how to react as well.

We don't believe that it is worth hastily creating a blanket law that current planets within the Galactic Alliance should be forced to change nor are many capable of over night, nor do we believe strangling the time limit of new planets to adapt and change. That patience, is more important at this time. At this time, it feels like a need to fight, to protect those unduly treated as soon as possible, it feels like the right thing to do.

Isn't not using our power to stop the mistreatment an ethical fault? Or is using your power because you have more of it a problem in and of itself? Allowing this bill to pass will give the priestly senators what they want, but this is the same path that lead to the Republics transformation; becoming the very things they swore to destroy. Doing something because it is good, because it is in response to evil, can sometimes make people do evil themselves. Sometimes people will fall so deep into their reactive ways, that any reaction of any kind, of any proportion, is inherently good.


When you unfairly frame everything opposed to your point of view as evil or in the league of evil, how ever unwittingly, you end up becoming a slave to your own moral rigidity. You become contemptuous. Just because you have the right intentions, it does not mean you should be absolved of any faults of what may or may not come from this act. In fact, if anything, the mental 'get out of jail free' card of labeling everything against your code as evil can have the same effect of being a tyrant.

The age old Galactic Republics transformation into the Galactic Empire is not a personal failing on anyones part, but a tragic outcome of systemic rigidity and an uncritical adherence to a moral doctrine that negates the full spectrum of emotional experience. 'We are fighting this cause for the good of others, so that they may no longer suffer,' these practices and ways are how these people developed.

Just as those developed here on Coruscant to form the Galactic Republic, my people developed to their new government on Thyrsus. All peoples have had struggles, whether as masters or slaves, but the development was natural, not forced and overnight. When things are forced within an instant, it creates things like the Confederation of Independent Systems. It creates things like the old oppressed slaves becoming the new hostile oppressors.


There are dangers within moral absolutism. As we all know, only who deals in absolutes. The priestly class unwittingly becomes the new master, and creates a new reactionary response. There's always going to be somebody who feels like the underdog, and somebody who feels like they need to be in charge. Either because it's logically correct, or morally correct. It all depends on the individual.

We may think the Galactic Alliance is focused primarily on the difference between good and evil. Like anything, there's a difference between practice and preaching. At many points, their behavior seems to be of a more focus on good and bad. There's a certain superiority complex to this government, and an era of virtuosity that justifies all of their decision making. This galaxy has featured the most sinister evils that may terrify you, but it has also shown that these things can be defeated.

The binary of good and evil isn't meant to limit our way of thinking, it's to help us to find codes for our shared values. And to help us find the goodness in them, even in grave places where we may not initially think to look."


Atos took a breath, looking down at the controls of his repulsor lift. He one final time began to speak, but he entered into the controls for the repulsorpod to dock back into its seating, "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably. The first time any mans freedom is trodden all, we're all damaged. This deliberation has brought to my attention the importance of dealing with discrimination above many other things I have been slated for in my leadership of Thyrsus. That, I should attend to. I'm going to do my best to eradicate what discrimination I can, on my homeworld. But it will not be by this government body or any bill forced down the throats of my people. I told them, never again, another Almera Accord. And I will stand by that." As the repulsorpod docked into place, he began a farewell with a bow, "This is not the way." He shook his head.

 

[Corrine de Montaigne]

"This has never been a debate over good and evil. It is a matter of equivalency before the law of the Galactic Alliance." Corrine said, looking somewhat puzzled at the notion that equality was something that was opposed.

"We all nominally agree that the Galactic Alliance is the centralized government body, while also extending the right to self-govern to our member planets. The debate here is not whether or not equality is a good thing, many of us would agree with that as well. For the Trade Federation, equality means a more vibrant and populous work force. For Corulag it means any citizen capable, can serve in the military. For Obulette it means noble houses and monarchy." she said, her voice very calm, "I passionately believe in the cause of equality. From the depths of my heart I believe that the galaxy would be a better place if everyone were held to the same standards. However, that is not possible without a strong central authority to mandate certain aspects of our lives. That is the social contract we agree to when joining the Galactic Alliance. Freedom in exchange for mutual protection. The Equal Rights Act is important to that end. The Hapes Cluster is quite capable in its own right, mind you, but when they agreed to join the Galactic Alliance they agreed to be held subject to the laws of the Alliance. For better or worse. If they object, that is their right, but it is the right of this governing body to pass legislation for the good of its people."

Dassid Hydia Sycorax Laveaux Kha'la Daaray Atos Vodus Rens Ahim Casteban Mecetti Balthus Larr Val Aranda Lehvi Vass Lodd Grimmin Alicio Organa Phoenix Kasari Auteme

 

[Lucas Gracin]

Lucas' eyes narrowed as he listened tot he various arguments both for and against the ERA. It was odd to him that there would be such debate over such a simple concept. The equality of opportunity and rights to all citizens of the Galactic Alliance. And now, men with silver tongues, were turning his constituents away from the righteous path with what he could only see as the most egregious of straw men arguments. He had considered Atos Vodus a friend, and would likely continue to do so after today, but he couldn't sit by in silence and let injustice stand, no matter how well intended.

"Veradune Speaks," he started, his podium leaving its dock. "My fellow senators and representatives, I believe there is a fallacy that has been allowed to go on for too long. As senators, it is true that you represent your planets. While not the Valde who rules Veradune, I am the Excelsus who serves as its voice. That voice, whether mine or another, ahs always and will always speak with a simple code in mind. Life Freedom Unity. I understand your hesitance to curtail the rights of those who rule their planets. But when in these halls, our collective voice speaks for the Alliance in its entirety. We are the voice of all peoples under our law. From your Hapan monarchs to your Ukatian peasants. I ask you to consider this. What is more important? The traditions held in place by those in power? The freedom of people who decide what freedom is for others? Or Freedom for everyone?"

His hand gripped the edge of his podium, claws threatening to dig through the durasteel of its construction. "Veradune stands in Support of the Equal Rights Act. I care not for traditions of oppression. My people have existed far longer than the Alliance with the simple purpose of finding those traditions and breaking them. I care not for the freedom of your planet. It is not sentient. It has no soul. It is a rock. I care for the freedom of your people. All of your people, including those that corrupt traditions have forgotten about. Veradune joined the Galactic Alliance because we found a beacon of freedom. Someone willing to fight for the rights of others. For those concerned that freedom is in opposition to your beliefs, welcome to the Alliance. I agree that planets should have the freedom to act as they will. But not in so far as that freedom might crush the freedom of that planet's people."

Dassid Hydia Sycorax Laveaux Kha'la Daaray Rens Ahim Casteban Mecetti Balthus Larr Val Aranda Lehvi Vass Lodd Grimmin Alicio Organa Phoenix Kasari Auteme Auteme Corrine de Montaigne

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Damerel Refugee Camp, Ukatis

Cora warmed both hands on a piping cup of instant caf. Thanks to the hard work and generosity of both Ukatians and off-world donors, Damerel was slowly morphing from a slapdash refugee camp to a little settlement with permanent housing.

Inside the tent that had become their command center, a small holotv had been rigged to pick up the broadcast of the Senate's debate. Normally pulled in a dozen directions at once, Cora now stood motionless while watching the deliberation play out.

Beside her, the young brunette woman who'd become her de facto assistant lingered. Marija squinted at the galaxy's smallest screen, trying to make out the blurry features of each senator as they spoke.

"Do you think it will pass?"

Cora readjusted her grip on the cup and tugged at the scarf around her neck. They were heading for spring, but traces of winter still clung to the air.

"I don't know. It's more divisive than I had imagined."

Ukatis did not have a constitution. Women were not, by law, forbidden from reaching places of power - but the old men in charge made it very difficult, nigh impossible, for many to do so. A woman's freedoms were often dictated by her father, then her husband.

A law couldn't make a millenia of sexist mentalities evaporate into thin air. On a world like Ukatis, forcibly introducing legislation that forbade gender discrimination could have unintended consequences against those it was designed to protect.

Perhaps, though, it could be a step in the right direction.

"Would this affect us?"

"No. Not unless Ukatis chooses to rejoin the Alliance."

"Do you think that'll happen?"

Cora took a slow sip of caf in response, swallowing down the bitter liquid with practiced ease.

"Did…did that gentleman just call us peasants?" Marija squinted at the screen, scrutinizing the pixelated figure of Lucas Gracin . "Is that what they think we all are? Poor, backwards peasants needing to be saved?"

"Maybe," Cora murmured, distracted by another monologue. "It seems that the Senator of Dahrtag had us in mind when creating this bill. I wonder if she'd heard of Ukatis before we were invaded."

Cora didn't know if Sycorax Laveaux cared about the status of Ukatian women and Hapan men, or if this bill was meant to be a feather in her cap. Perhaps both.

Many of the worlds supporting the Equal Rights Act were wealthy and industrialized, with a plethora of resources that Ukatis could only dream of. Some worlds could not afford to peacefully enact the ERA within the reduced time period proposed. Punishing to the planetary government, yes - but to the people as well.

"What do you think of it?" Marija interjected as another senator droned on. "I mean, what do you think of something like that on Ukatis? Could it work?”

Cora hesitated, tapping the pads her fingers against the cup in thought. Ukatis had been thrust into the galactic spotlight for all the wrong reasons, and many off-worlders seemed to regard their culture as a problem to be fixed. Despite how irreversibly her own culture had hurt her, Ukatians were prideful and protective of their autonomy. They wouldn't accept radical change coming from an outside entity that refused to understand them.

"It could work. Maybe. Something like this. But not this, as it is."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"The New Jedi Order will always stand on the side of equal rights for all, regardless of race, gender, or any other excuse a world might have to keep their noble homes pure and their common folk oppressed. Regardless of this outcome, it is now very obvious that there are worlds within the Alliance itself where people are mistreated simply for existing. It is the Jedi's duty to help them."

Regardless of the Alliance's assistance. Kahlil sat back down in his own pod, passively watching as the proceedings continued. Already this was highlighting quite the large issue with the idea of freedom versus the actual implantation of it.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"The intent behind this bill is admirable, but it is also characteristically lacking in subtlety," Senator Fortan stated. "Because the Senator, in her zeal to do what I am sure she thinks is the right thing, has eliminated the intrinsic nuance of this subject matter from the floor debate, I find my answer equally straightforward: no. I look forward to a similar bill coming to the floor in the near future that will be able to garner broader support -- perhaps more closely crafted to the problem at hand rather better than this legislation, which reads as a hammer in search of nails."

 

[Rens Ahim]

Rens closed his eyes in deep thought. It was becoming clear to him that while he still believed in the spirit of the Equal Rights Act its approach has been lacking. The senator of Dahrtag hadn't really discussed the ERA bill with them prior to this session. Of course given her view of others he can see why she didn't do so. Yet in his experience as a past lawyer he knew collecting and confirming evidence is as essential as being persuasive.

The weaknesses of the bill now threatened the cause he believed in.

While the opposition saw the danger of the Alliance becoming tyrannical or erasing cultures he saw a different threat if they kept to the status quo. Hearing the Jedi speak he paused before slightly smiling. While Rens Ahim hadn't really gotten the opportunity to meet the Jedi he believed in them flaws and all.

Even when we fail the Jedi will stand in the gap for those who can't stand for themselves and inspire those who can.

Turning back to face the rest of the senate he declared.

”Colleagues, some of you state that societies within our Alliance should be given time as much as possible to adjust on their own for concern of our government becoming tyrannical in pursuing this course or the measure itself being useless and dangerous. But I still believe legislation is necessary for this issue because we don't live in a perfect galaxy where we can trust every planetary authority or those of influence to willingly reform at their own initiative.

Though it is clear to me now we need stronger and more nuanced legislation than this current bill."

Taking a deep breath before releasing it he resumed.

"I propose a commission to be forth throughout the Federation. Specifically to investigate societies unannounced relating to the issue at hand. Beside a balanced number of senators it should include experts of various fields to make the committee more effective.

This commission should go with the necessary protection detail and security measures and strictly focus on investigation with no distractions, no fanfare only collecting data and interviewing people whether it be privately or publicly at their choice. The commission will be tasked to finish at a specific timeframe so not to let this matter be buried.

This would not be a PR stunt but strictly an investigation and equally an opportunity to give our citizens regardless of background a chance to speak with us whether they agree with our beliefs or not. We owed it to all of them to let their voices be heard. I will volunteer for such a commission if it is approved by the senate."

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

"Senator Fortan," Sycorax began. "And indeed, all of those who stand in opposition to the ERA: what changes, if I may ask, would you make to this piece of legislation to make it less of a 'hammer in search of nails'?"

Alicio Organa Kha'la Daaray Phoenix Kasari Casteban Mecetti Auteme Lodd Grimmin Lehvi Vass Rens Ahim Corrine de Montaigne Val Aranda Atos Vodus Phoenix Kasari Dassid Hydia Balthus Larr Natasi Fortan Lucas Gracin​

 

[Val Aranda]

"Perhaps, a lighter touch." the senator of Ensolica suggested. "I believed initially that a planet's people should decide how they are governed, though I feel under certain circumstances that could be problematic. Instead, we should give the planet's that would be in violation of the Equal Right's Act an attainable goal. Perhaps 10 years? Maybe more? I would feel much more comfortable if an amendment involving that and the Alliance providing the necessary resources and guidance to facilitate such a change. However, there should be a clause that state's if a planet's people are unanimous in being against the act, that it will not be enforced upon them. Not all cultures where someone is born to be superior to another are oppressive."

Kha'la Daaray | Phoenix Kasari | Corrine de Montaigne | Sycorax Laveaux |
Alicio Organa | Casteban Mecetti | Auteme | Lodd Grimmin | Rens Ahim |
Lehvi Vass | Atos Vodus | Dassid Hydia | Balthus Larr | Natasi Fortan | Lucas Gracin ​

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"However, there should be a clause that state's if a planet's people are unanimous in being against the act, that it will not be enforced upon them. Not all cultures where someone is born to be superior to another are oppressive."

"And, Senator, how would you ensure that those born lesser are actually voting to be unanimous against the act? How do you ensure they even can vote, if the culture dictates that, for example, a woman isn't allowed to vote. Just her husband. Where's the line in allowing a culture to demean and lower someone while also ensuring that everyone has a voice in saying 'yes, I would love to be second class for existing'?"

 

[Val Aranda]

"And, Senator, how would you ensure that those born lesser are actually voting to be unanimous against the act? How do you ensure they even can vote, if the culture dictates that, for example, a woman isn't allowed to vote. Just her husband. Where's the line in allowing a culture to demean and lower someone while also ensuring that everyone has a voice in saying 'yes, I would love to be second class for existing'?"

"Well, even the oppressed are still citizens on their planet." she replied. "Each person will vote as their unique identifier per their planet's records as to prove that they have their chance to make a change or keep the status quo. For this specific endeavor, every person of an adult age has the right the vote. The Alliance can make a temporary committee to go to the member worlds that would be changed by this bill and facilitate the voting process, ensuring it's fairness." Valeria suggested. "I don't see too many of our member worlds openly violating the Equal's Right's Act so it wouldn't take too long."

Kha'la Daaray | Phoenix Kasari | Corrine de Montaigne | Sycorax Laveaux |
Alicio Organa | Casteban Mecetti | Auteme | Lodd Grimmin | Rens Ahim |
Lehvi Vass | Atos Vodus | Dassid Hydia | Balthus Larr | Natasi Fortan | Lucas Gracin ​

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

As the scale began to tip against the ERA, Sycorax’s gaze sought out Alicio’s pod. Once, after a particularly dangerous meeting on Dahrtag, she had made a confession of hopelessness to him. The Alliance was by its nature incapable of creating change, she had argued. He had challenged her to try and make a difference through them anyway.

That was the answer to the question: what was an Isolationist Shepherd doing touting broad and sweeping legislation like this? She had something to prove. Either the Alliance was a bloated, ineffective bureaucracy of no use to anyone but itself, or the Hapans and anyone else living under the yoke of oppression within the most free and just faction in the galaxy would be liberated at the cost of Sycorax Laveaux having to swallow her pride. She would get something out of it regardless, but somewhere in her black little heart she could find it in her to prefer the latter outcome.

Things weren’t looking good, however. As the debate seemed to slow down, the arguments drawing to a close, she was left with the mysterious blonde arguing for a ten year extension and federally overseen voting. Sycorax sighed. She was beginning to feel slightly sick to her stomach.

“Wasn’t your original argument against the ERA that it would force cultures to change?” she asked. Her tone had lost much of its earlier bite. Now she just sounded tired and subdued, clearly wanting all this to be over. “You would ask them to vote. That is a process exclusive to democracies, is it not? What if the planet is not a democracy?”

She held up her hand. “Never mind. Ten years is too long to wait, and the Representative of the Jedi Order is correct in that what you suggest would be far too easy to abuse. Those in power want to stay in power, and on their own terms. They have many methods available to them of manipulating an election undetected, from threats to bribes to assassination. All of which, for the record, are socially acceptable on Hapes. Dare I say, they are part of the culture.

“Anyone else?”

Alicio Organa Kha'la Daaray Phoenix Kasari Casteban Mecetti Auteme Lodd Grimmin Lehvi Vass Rens Ahim Corrine de Montaigne Val Aranda Atos Vodus Phoenix Kasari Dassid Hydia Balthus Larr Natasi Fortan​

 

[Corrine de Montaigne]

"While I can admire the notion that it is nobody else's place to judge a culture not their own, some things cannot be overlooked as simple cultural differences. Systematic oppression built on a foundation of institutionalized prejudices is what the Hapes Cluster is trying to defend. This is not some cultural touchstone that should be treasured. There is no nuance to the subject of oppression. This is very simply about whether or not they are allowed to treat male citizens as second-class. I say they do not, regardless of their cultural practices. They joined the game when they entered the Galactic Alliance, and they are going to have to play ball by our rules. This is not some specialized attack specifically against the Hapan people, but an attack against all prejudices wherever they may be hiding. If the idea of equality before the law is so repugnant to the Hapan people then perhaps their values simply do not mesh with those of the Alliance and they should consider long and hard if their prejudices are worth upholding if it means withdrawing from the Alliance's protection on the broader scale." Corrine spoke quite bluntly. The very notion that there was some kind of merit to this debate was absolutely puzzling.