Montanusian Conservatism

**Montanusian Conservatism** is the hugely popular social ideology within the borders of the Empire. It does not hold any prominence anywhere else in the world and is unique to the region. This form of social conservativism is ultra-right wing, ultra-nationalistic and populist. It stands as the ultimate enemy to progressivism, liberalism and other left which ideologies which combine society with politics. While all this tends to lean most Lettonians to being right wing in some form or another, Montanusian Conservatism is a *social ideology*, not a *political ideology*. Lettonians believe there is fine dividing difference between politics and social beliefs, and they should be kept inherently separate, similar to the idea of keeping the church and the state separate.

Montanusian Conservatism was initially formulated by Lettonian politician Caius Papirius Montanus in 1746, during the reign of Servus Tullius. Formed as a way to counterbalance growing Enlightenment ideas by combining all popular social beliefs, nationalism and populism. It appears to have succeeded in its goals by being taught in schools, introduced by more political philosophers and being more fleshed out and developed as centuries went on, long after Montanus died in 1761, and by the year 2022, Lettonians are turned off by left wing ideologies, progressivism and the like. Most Lettonians (>94%) are hellbent on maintaining tradition, keeping their beliefs and social ideologies strong and rejecting the 'Progressive Disease' which has 'swept the globe' and is 'slowly killing culture, tradition, and the state of man'.

## Beliefs About The People

Montanusian Conservatism has very strong dictations about what is morally right for the people, whether this be dress, restrictions, or rights, and this had led to misconceptions about Lettonia being a totalitarian state by enforcing dress codes and the like. But most of the time, it is because Lettonians refuse to advance past a certain age of style and or keeping the two genders distinct and independent of each other. Montanusian Conservatism is a strong enforcer of 'Strong Men' and 'Strong Women'. For example...

1. Women can pierce their ears, but nothing else. Men do not circumcise their bodies in any way. It is seen as feminine. ￼
2. Both women and men should cover up most of their body (Except the head, the head and face is the most beautiful part of you, and represents all the good, the bad, strength and weakness you possess). Women tend to wear ankle length dresses, or at most, knee length skirts (This is acceptable as it is still 'feminine' attire), button up blouses, shirts and such. However, women can, and do wear jeans, khaki pants or other types, however this is more of a rarity), however, usually there is fine line between 'women's pants' and 'men's pants'. Men tend to wear suits, pants, button up shirts, and in winter, the trench coat never goes out of style.
3. Marriage at a young age (18-24) is considered extremely important for having children and building your family.
4. Women hold jobs, however their primary jobs are being housekeepers (and if they are a mother) taking care of the children.
5. Citizens, both men and women, should not use or consume drugs (marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine etc.)
6. Women should grow and maintain healthy, long hair, and men should maintain low, well-cut hair. Also, a man with a well-trimmed beard is often known to command respect from his peers. ￼

### Social Laws+Beliefs (Where MC begins to blend into lawmaking)

1. Abortion in any capacity is outlawed, and doctors who agree to perform one are at risk of having their license stripped, being tried for murder. Abortion is inherently viewed as murder of an unborn child, and Lettonians are firm of the belief that human beings are alive since conception. Women who abort a child are considered murderers and are tried as such in the court of law.
2. Casual sex is considered extremely immoral for both genders, and people who engage in it are frowned upon.
3. Sex Work is despised, and those who partake (both provider and consumer) are considered morally bankrupt, especially since given the average age of marriage, it usually involves an affair against their spouse.
4. Citizens should not gamble, as it is seen as immoral and an addiction.
5. The age of consent is eighteen. Anyone who is above this age can legally engage in sexual intercourse upon being married. Anyone below this age cannot, and doing so will **usually** result in banishment from their family for breaching the basic code of morality. Anyone above the age of eighteen who engages in sexual intercourse with an individual below the age of eighteen will be put on trial for pedophilia, whether or not the encounter was consensual. However, these cases are considered intense, and all evidence is processed to ensure the fairest possible verdict. Some teenagers lie, the judicial system understands this, and they do not want to punish a person who in all rights of it, thought their partner was of legal age. This however will fit in with #2.
6. Same sex marriage is illegal, Lettonians employ a 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy, as to them, if a man is romantically involved with another man and a woman with a woman, it is none of their business, and they shouldn't pry. However, homosexual couples may have a civil union, which is kind-of-sorta-marriage to them. Same sex couples can adopt children, this is considered an integral right.
7. Segregation or discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion or creed is forbidden. If a Lettonian has unsavory opinions about someone based upon these lines, they are to keep these opinions to themselves. Employ a "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all," approach. ￼
8. Only two genders are recognized. Male and female. Transgender people are protected by law, and ensured proper care. They are considered human beings like the rest of us, and should not be considered different. However, it is expected to face familial backlash if one is in fact, transgender.