Ethical Action Resolution of the American Ethical Union

Statement Reaffirming Its Opposition to Torture*

Adopted by the 93rd Assembly of the AEU
Austin, Texas, April 2008

WHEREAS: Respect and reverence for human dignity is the foremost principle of Ethical Culture, and the use of torture is the most heinous violation of human dignity, and

WHEREAS: The American Ethical Union remains absolutely and unalterably opposed to the employment of torture by the military, intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, or other actors public or private, and

WHEREAS: The employment of torture in direct and willful violation of the United Nations Convention on Torture has become a component of American policy in its "War on terror,"

THEREFORE: The American Ethical Union calls upon the Congress and President of the United States:

To immediately and unconditionally cease the practice of torture everywhere, including the transfer of prisoners to other jurisdictions where torture may be employed, and
To allow unfettered access and inspection of any and all sites and facilities, and
To avow without reservation to abide by its international agreements and honor the highest standards of human rights, and
To openly recognize and apologize for all transgressions, to allow for due process, and, whenever and wherever possible, to make restitution to their victims.

FURTHERMORE: We call upon the Leaders and members of The American Ethical Union to inspire and advocate for the end of present American policy and the "torture debate" through Sunday addresses in accord with the .

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* UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE (Article 1) The term “torture” means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.

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