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We, the people
of Europe, hereby affirm our common values. They are based not on a single culture
or tradition but are founded in all of the cultures that make up
modern Europe.
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We affirm the worth, dignity and autonomy of every individual, and the
right of everyone to the greatest possible
freedom compatible with the rights of others. We
support democracy and human rights and aim at the fullest possible
development of every human being.
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We recognise our duty of care to all of humanity including future generations,
and our dependence on and responsibility for the
natural world.
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We affirm the
equality of men and women. All persons regardless of race, origin, religion or
belief, language, gender, sexual orientation or ability must have equal
treatment before the law.
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We affirm the
right of everyone to adopt and follow a religion or belief of their
choosing. But the beliefs of any group may not be used to limit the rights of
others.
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We hold that
the state must remain neutral in matters of religion and belief, favouring none and discriminating against
none.
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We hold that
personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. We seek to create
a fair society based on reason and compassion, in which every citizen is enabled
to play their full part.
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We uphold both
tolerance and freedom of expression
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We affirm the
right of everyone to open and comprehensive education.
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We reject
intimidation, violence and incitement to violence in the furtherance of
disputes, and hold that conflicts must be resolved through negotiation and by
legal means.
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We uphold
freedom of inquiry in every sphere of human life, and the application of science
in the service of human welfare. We seek to use science creatively, not
destructively.
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We uphold artistic freedom, value creativity and imagination, and recognise
the transforming power of art. We affirm the importance
of literature, music, and the visual and performing
arts for personal development and fulfilment.
Made this 25th
day of March 2007, being the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the
foundation of the European Union.
In order
to resist an evangelical takeover and defend the secular spirit of the
European Union, The Brussels Declaration was formally launched in Brussels
at the European Parliament in February 2007. It has attracted unprecedented European-wide support from academics, politicians, writers, community
leaders, and nongovernmental organizations. In addition, it has been
endorsed by hundreds of European leaders including dozens of Members
of the European Parliament. Now it is up to Humanists to make sure that
it succeeds...
The Declaration
was formally launched in Brussels on 27th February, ahead of the 50th
Anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March
25th.
Show your
support for The Brussels Declaration by adding your name. No formal signature
is necessary; simply use the Sign the Brussels Declaration links on
the Vision for Europe website and complete the simple form provided.
You can sign the declaration as a European or as a non-European citizen.
It is
not too late to sign. Click here to sign the Brussels Declaration
www.visionforeurope.org
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