-
Principles of Ethical Government: Peaceful Protest & Civil Disobedience
Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (3)(f) states: 3(f) All people have a duty to obey the law (see D&C 134:6 and Article of Faith 12). This duty does not, however, preclude the possibility of peaceful protest against and civil disobedience to unjust laws (see Exodus 1:15-17). We believe in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” The rule of law requires all people — elected officials included — to abide by the laws of the land. As D&C 134 makes clear, those laws are established to protect our “inherent and inalienable rights” (v. 5) and should operate “for the good and safety of society” (v. 1). We…
-
Principles of Ethical Government: Reform Unjust Laws
Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (3)(g) states: 3(g) When laws are unjust — especially when they violate the human and civil rights of vulnerable or marginalized groups — all citizens have an obligation to work toward reformation of those laws, whether or not they are directly harmed by those unjust laws (see Alma 30:7). We desire to work toward a more peaceful, just, and ethical world, one grounded firmly in a vision of Zion and a hope in Christ and His redemptive power. Zion will only be achieved when its people are of “one heart and one mind, . . . [with] no poor among them”…
-
Principles of Ethical Government: Minority Rights
Mormon Women for Ethical Government’s Principles of Ethical Government (2)(b) states: (b) Special care should be taken to protect the rights of the minority from undue infringement by the majority (see Exodus 23:2 and Proverbs 31:8-9). Every human is a child of Heavenly Parents and must be treated with respect and love. There are religious and ethical foundations for ensuring that minority rights are safeguarded and that theagency, growth, and potential of all of God’s children are consequently protected. Resisting oppression lifts all members of society. Because living in and perpetuating structures that oppress minorities harms souls, safeguarding the rights of minorities enables the growth and potential of all of…