Human and non-human rights in Aroida

Human and non-human rights in the Federal Republic of Aroida can seem a little strange to those not familiar with the system. One could describe the Aroians and the Aroian law with morality comes first, meaning that while democracy is not a priority (not that there is a lack thereof), so-called personal rights are high. The Aroian law not only protects humans. Non-human lifeforms, such as Vampires and animals, have the same personal rights as humans do.
== Personal rights ==
Personal rights on Aroida are high, for both humans and non-humans. Murder, torture, rape and experiments on living beings are highly outlawed, and can result in a life sentence. Perpetrators of such crimes are forced to undergo psychiatric treatment. The death sentence was abolished in 2672, when Aroida became part of the UNAE, not because it was considered to be 'inhumane' (on the contrary, Aroians still believe it is more humane than taking away someone's freedom), but because it was bad for the soul of those who were ordered to end the convicted person's life. For example, in the past someone convicted of just killing another person (i.e. no torture, rape, etc. involved) would be sentenced to death, while someone convicted of torture or rape (even if the person was murdered afterwards) would often get a life sentence.
== Human rights ==
Aroian citizens can vote three times: for the president, vice-president and who should be elected as their planet's representative in the Aroian Council. However, this essentially limits the democracy, since the power is in the hands of just a few people.
== Non-human rights ==
=== Animal rights ===
In the first few decades of the 22th century, inhabitants of the Eastern Union realized that the situation of animals all around the world left much to be desired, and saw an opportunity to change things in their own country. Several parties were formed, initially small, but after they merged in 2143, they became the country's biggest party. The punishments for harming an animal were eventually heightened to the point where even just beating an animal would result in a one-year prison sentence. In 2146, the government lowered taxes on in vitro meat (meat that has never been part of a living animal)', while increasing taxes on meat that wasn't. After Aroida's independence, regular meat was outlawed altogether.
Category:Aroida