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Declaration
OF Sacred
Autonomy
—v0.4
Core Principle.
No individual, collective entity, or institution shall interfere with or diminish the sacred autonomy of any person, except where an individual’s actions directly infringe upon the autonomy of another.
I. Definitions
Each term used is defined below with a link for further discussion.
Autonomy
The inherent and inalienable right of every being to self-governance over their body, mind, and life path, free from coercion, manipulation, undue influence, or external control.
The condition wherein an individual possesses full self-determination in all matters affecting their body, mind, and personal affairs, without imposition by external forces.
Victimless Crime
An action designated as criminal by a governing body but which involves no direct, non-consensual harm to another individual or their autonomy.
Sacred Autonomy
The ethical and spiritual recognition that sovereignty over one’s own person is an absolute principle deserving universal respect and protection.
Rights
Legally and ethically recognized entitlements ensuring that individuals may exercise their autonomy without infringement, provided their actions do not violate the equivalent rights of others.
II. Ethical Ideals
1. Bodily Autonomy and Consent
Every individual possesses exclusive authority over their own body.
This includes the right to make decisions regarding medical treatment, reproductive health, bodily modification, consumption of substances, and all matters affecting their physical being.
Consent must be voluntary, informed, and revocable at any time without penalty or reprisal.
2. Freedom of Thought, Belief, and Expression
Each individual retains the right to think freely, to form and hold beliefs of their choosing, and to express those beliefs without fear of censorship, coercion, or persecution.
Such expression is protected provided it does not constitute a direct violation of another’s autonomy.
3. Freedom of Association and Disassociation
Individuals have the right to form, maintain, or dissolve associations with others according to their own volition.
No person shall be compelled to participate in any collective, organization, or relationship against their will.
4. Privacy and Control of Personal Information
Each person has the right to privacy regarding their body, mind, communications, and personal data.
No individual or institution may collect, store, access, or distribute personal information without the informed and voluntary consent of the individual concerned.
5. Right to Self-Defense of Autonomy
Where an individual’s autonomy is directly violated, they retain the right to take proportionate, non-violative measures to restore or defend that autonomy, provided their response does not infringe upon the autonomy of uninvolved third parties.
III. Suggestions for Peaceful Enforcement
1. Education and Cultural Norms.
Promote the principle of sacred human autonomy through widespread education in schools, media, and public discourse.
Normalize the ethical understanding that respecting autonomy is a basic civic duty.
2. Voluntary Certification and Recognition
Institutions, businesses, and communities may voluntarily adopt a “Sacred Autonomy Respect” certification, indicating adherence to principles of bodily, cognitive, and data autonomy.
3. Nonviolent Advocacy and Public Accountability
Where violations occur, affected individuals and communities are encouraged to engage in nonviolent protest, public advocacy, and lawful petition to raise awareness and seek redress.
4. Mediation and Restorative Justice.
Disputes involving alleged violations of autonomy should prioritize mediation and restorative justice processes over punitive or adversarial approaches.
The aim shall be restoration of autonomy, acknowledgment of harm, and, where necessary, voluntary restitution.
5. Binding Agreements and Consent Contracts.
Individuals and organizations may enter into voluntary agreements affirming their commitment to respect each other’s autonomy, enforceable through civil, not criminal, processes in courts of law or arbitration.
Closing Statement
The preservation and respect of Sacred Autonomy is foundational to any just, peaceful, and thriving society.
This Declaration affirms that true freedom arises not from the domination of others, but from the universal recognition that every individual is the sovereign custodian of their own existence.