Humanity is born free, but is everywhere in shackles.
The Sami Parliament is, in its way, a democratic experiment designed to strengthen Sami participation in the decisionmaking process. In the debate about the Sami Parliament's authority and future role, it is essential to distinguish between democracy's form and its content. It is not through the formal side of a political system that a nation shows itself to be democratic or not. However, it is these principles and their ethical content that are the critical feature. They must include a vision for people and society, with righteousness and equality in the eyes of the law.