SB 119-15: Freedom for the People of the Pacific--Passed

[Vice President Christian Man]

Freedom for the People of the Pacific

Section 1. Title
1. This bill will be cited as the Freedom for the People of the Pacific Act

Section 2. Referenda
1. The following overseas areas will have the right to organize referenda to determine their future in the republic of Atlasia: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Alaska
a. full independence
b. remaining within the union but greater autonomy
2. The question of the referendum will be as follows: What do you believe should be the future of the state of X? (insert name of respective state/territory for X)
a. Full independence within five years
b. Greater autonomy within the Republic of Atlasia
3. Voting procedure will be as normal according to Atlasian election laws, and a simple majority is needed of the voters for one of the two options of the voters that turned out for one of those two options to win. Voting is entirely done by NPC populations/characters.

Section 3. Passage
1. Upon passage in favour of full independence, they'll get five (5) years the time to leave the union, those five years will be used to draft a new constitution, determine election laws, choose a currency and choose how they prefer future relations with the republic of atlasia, including a plan for their defense and the degree of economic aid from the republic of atlasia, based on negotiations
2. The Republic of Atlasia does not have the right to revoke this bill when a referendum for independence or greater autonomy and when this bill have passed.

Section 4. Decolonization
1. The Republic of Atlasia will firmly support a decolonization process globally and ally with anti-imperialist nations worldwide, granting economic & military aid to those who choose to separate and economically sanctioning those oppressing nations that do not comply.

Section 5. Territorial restructuring
1. Johnston Island is restructured within the Hawaiian State, effective immediately after passage.
2. Wake Island is restructured within the juridisiction of the Marshall Islands, effective immediately after passage

Section 6. Recognition of claims
1. The republic of Atlasia does not further claim the Guano islands, and recognise the Colombian claims on Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank
2. Control of Baker Island, Howland Island, Javer Island, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll and its infrastructure is given to the republic of Kiribati, to be transferred within seven days after passage of this law.

Section 7. Apologies
1. The senate of the Republic of Atlasia expresses its deep regret and sorrow for violations made in the past and in its history that can be considered imperialist and/or colonialist.

Section 8. Census provision
1. People registered - within the game - in any of those states or territories that might secede will upon secession be automatically registered in the largest populated state in the region of where the state seceded, without the need for an additional post in the "new register thread". Additionally, under no circumstances shall this bill be interpreted to deny someones voting rights or participation in the game.

Section 9. Implementation:
1. Upon passage, the game moderators shall be tasked with the simulation of the referenda and further actions.
2. To comply with the Atlasian criminal law, it is re-iterated that intimidation of game moderators, defined as repeatedly trying to influence the game moderators in their task to simulate and handle the process is a criminal offense.

The senator from South Dakota is recognized.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

I think this is a more concrete description of acts compared to "say no to imperialism", and given that is about to pass, i believe we should discuss it more properly, so here more precisely what i would have in mind if we are doing this.

[fhtagn]

Weird that this is called Freedom for the People of the Pacific when it includes territories that are not part of the Pacific.

Also weird that a claimed anti-secession Senator supports secession for some Atlasians but not all.

[fhtagn]

Also worth noting that in order to allow independence for any of the states listed in this proposal, a constitutional amendment would need to be made to allow secession.

As of right now, this bill isn't constitutional.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Also worth noting that in order to allow independence for any of the states listed in this proposal, a constitutional amendment would need to be made to allow secession.

As of right now, this bill isn't constitutional.

Than why did you vote for the "say no to imperialism" act?

[LAKISYLVANIA]

No region or other entity under the jurisdiction of this Constitution at the date of its original adoption shall secede from this Republic, nor shall any Region, state, or other entity declare itself outside the jurisdiction of this Constitution.

I would argue it's not secession since it's the federal government that releases those territories in the first place.

1. there is no secession
2. There is no declaration of being outside the juridisiction of this constitution since "federal government" isn't included in this text.

[fhtagn]

No region or other entity under the jurisdiction of this Constitution at the date of its original adoption shall secede from this Republic, nor shall any Region, state, or other entity declare itself outside the jurisdiction of this Constitution.

I would argue it's not secession since it's the federal government that releases those territories in the first place.

1. there is no secession
2. There is no declaration of being outside the juridisiction of this constitution since "federal government" isn't included in this text.

A bill cannot allow states to decide their status in the union, especially when those states are explicitly outlined in the Constitution, and when you were one of the people who pushed for banning secession in our Constitution for dumb reasons.

This bill is literally endorsing secession.

[fhtagn]

Also worth noting that in order to allow independence for any of the states listed in this proposal, a constitutional amendment would need to be made to allow secession.

As of right now, this bill isn't constitutional.

Than why did you vote for the "say no to imperialism" act?

The text of the bill applies to territories, not states.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Also worth noting that in order to allow independence for any of the states listed in this proposal, a constitutional amendment would need to be made to allow secession.

As of right now, this bill isn't constitutional.

Than why did you vote for the "say no to imperialism" act?

The text of the bill applies to territories, not states.

Well if you want the text of the constitution to be discussed again, i introduced a bill that would remove that amendment. It's dumb anyways to include that in a constitution... but everyone else seems to disagree. Outside of the game, i'd probably always vehemently against something like that in a constitution because it goes against everything i believe in and against the right of self determination. Some people unironically believe it's a good thing - aside of the game - to have that in a constitution because they're consistently anti-secession and pro-oppression.

the only issue, there would be no purpose for this game in case - and that's what you want - the regions split up.

[fhtagn]

Also worth noting that in order to allow independence for any of the states listed in this proposal, a constitutional amendment would need to be made to allow secession.

As of right now, this bill isn't constitutional.

Than why did you vote for the "say no to imperialism" act?

The text of the bill applies to territories, not states.

Well if you want the text of the constitution to be discussed again, i introduced a bill that would remove that amendment. It's dumb anyways to include that in a constitution... but everyone else seems to disagree. Outside of the game, i'd probably always vehemently against something like that in a constitution because it goes against everything i believe in and against the right of self determination. Some people unironically believe it's a good thing - aside of the game - to have that in a constitution because they're consistently anti-secession and pro-oppression.

the only issue, there would be no purpose for this game in case - and that's what you want - the regions split up.

Nothing about Southern secession would have ended the game, and there's no evidence to support that claim.

[reagente]

I will take up sponsorship of this bill (though I plan to offer a substantive amendment today or tomorrow)

[GM Team Member and Senator WB]

Amendment, if this passes then at least allow the option for the current status quo.

Freedom for the People of the Pacific

Section 1. Title
1. This bill will be cited as the Freedom for the People of the Pacific Act

Section 2. Referenda
1. The following overseas areas will have the right to organize referenda to determine their future in the republic of Atlasia: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Alaska
a. full independence
b. remaining within the union but greater autonomy
c. status quo
2. The question of the referendum will be as follows: What do you believe should be the future of the state of X? (insert name of respective state/territory for X)
a. Full independence within five years
b. Greater autonomy within the Republic of Atlasia
3. Voting procedure will be as normal according to Atlasian election laws, and a simple majority is needed of the voters for one of the two options of the voters that turned out for one of those two options to win. Voting is entirely done by NPC populations/characters.

Section 3. Passage
1. Upon passage in favour of full independence, they'll get five (5) years the time to leave the union, those five years will be used to draft a new constitution, determine election laws, choose a currency and choose how they prefer future relations with the republic of atlasia, including a plan for their defense and the degree of economic aid from the republic of atlasia, based on negotiations
2. The Republic of Atlasia does not have the right to revoke this bill when a referendum for independence or greater autonomy and when this bill have passed.

Section 4. Decolonization
1. The Republic of Atlasia will firmly support a decolonization process globally and ally with anti-imperialist nations worldwide, granting economic & military aid to those who choose to separate and economically sanctioning those oppressing nations that do not comply.

Section 5. Territorial restructuring
1. Johnston Island is restructured within the Hawaiian State, effective immediately after passage.
2. Wake Island is restructured within the juridisiction of the Marshall Islands, effective immediately after passage

Section 6. Recognition of claims
1. The republic of Atlasia does not further claim the Guano islands, and recognise the Colombian claims on Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank
2. Control of Baker Island, Howland Island, Javer Island, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll and its infrastructure is given to the republic of Kiribati, to be transferred within seven days after passage of this law.

Section 7. Apologies
1. The senate of the Republic of Atlasia expresses its deep regret and sorrow for violations made in the past and in its history that can be considered imperialist and/or colonialist.

Section 8. Census provision
1. People registered - within the game - in any of those states or territories that might secede will upon secession be automatically registered in the largest populated state in the region of where the state seceded, without the need for an additional post in the "new register thread". Additionally, under no circumstances shall this bill be interpreted to deny someones voting rights or participation in the game.

Section 9. Implementation:
1. Upon passage, the game moderators shall be tasked with the simulation of the referenda and further actions.
2. To comply with the Atlasian criminal law, it is re-iterated that intimidation of game moderators, defined as repeatedly trying to influence the game moderators in their task to simulate and handle the process is a criminal offense.

[Pyro]

With no objection submitted for the WB amendment, this is added to the bill.

[GM Team Member and Senator WB]

I'm dum and forgot to also make the language in 2.2 and 2.3 make sense for 2.1 so here's another amendment for that

Freedom for the People of the Pacific

Section 1. Title
1. This bill will be cited as the Freedom for the People of the Pacific Act

Section 2. Referenda
1. The following overseas areas will have the right to organize referenda to determine their future in the republic of Atlasia: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Alaska
a. full independence
b. remaining within the union but greater autonomy
c. status quo
2. The question of the referendum will be as follows: What do you believe should be the future of the state of X? (insert name of respective state/territory for X)
a. Full independence within five years
b. Greater autonomy within the Republic of Atlasia
c. Maintain current status
3. Voting procedure will be as normal according to Atlasian election laws, and a simple majority of votes after RCV calculations is needed of the voters for one of the twothree options of the voters that turned out for one of those twothree options to win. Voting is entirely done by NPC populations/characters.

Section 3. Passage
1. Upon passage in favour of full independence, they'll get five (5) years the time to leave the union, those five years will be used to draft a new constitution, determine election laws, choose a currency and choose how they prefer future relations with the republic of atlasia, including a plan for their defense and the degree of economic aid from the republic of atlasia, based on negotiations
2. The Republic of Atlasia does not have the right to revoke this bill when a referendum for independence or greater autonomy and when this bill have passed.

Section 4. Decolonization
1. The Republic of Atlasia will firmly support a decolonization process globally and ally with anti-imperialist nations worldwide, granting economic & military aid to those who choose to separate and economically sanctioning those oppressing nations that do not comply.

Section 5. Territorial restructuring
1. Johnston Island is restructured within the Hawaiian State, effective immediately after passage.
2. Wake Island is restructured within the juridisiction of the Marshall Islands, effective immediately after passage

Section 6. Recognition of claims
1. The republic of Atlasia does not further claim the Guano islands, and recognise the Colombian claims on Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank
2. Control of Baker Island, Howland Island, Javer Island, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll and its infrastructure is given to the republic of Kiribati, to be transferred within seven days after passage of this law.

Section 7. Apologies
1. The senate of the Republic of Atlasia expresses its deep regret and sorrow for violations made in the past and in its history that can be considered imperialist and/or colonialist.

Section 8. Census provision
1. People registered - within the game - in any of those states or territories that might secede will upon secession be automatically registered in the largest populated state in the region of where the state seceded, without the need for an additional post in the "new register thread". Additionally, under no circumstances shall this bill be interpreted to deny someones voting rights or participation in the game.

Section 9. Implementation:
1. Upon passage, the game moderators shall be tasked with the simulation of the referenda and further actions.
2. To comply with the Atlasian criminal law, it is re-iterated that intimidation of game moderators, defined as repeatedly trying to influence the game moderators in their task to simulate and handle the process is a criminal offense.

[/quote]

[fhtagn]

Just reminding the Senators that are pretending to be anti-secession on another bill, but seem to have no issues with this bill:

This bill is literally endorsing secession.

We cannot pass this bill without amending the Constitution to allow for states to leave the Union.

[GM Team Member and Senator WB]

For the record I plan on voting nay on this. I’m just giving the option so that if we do for some reason pass this, then if the people there want things to stay the same then they can vote for that.

[President Punxsutawney Phil]

I'm against both this bill and this Succession Amendment. Not my kettle of fish.

[Vice President Christian Man]

Motioning for a final vote.

[reagente]

I object to cloture, and I will offer an amendment that limits the scope of this bill.

[Vice President Christian Man]

Withdrawing the final vote motion, debate will resume.

[reagente]

Offering the following amendment:

Freedom for the People of the Pacific

Section 1. Title
1. This bill will be cited as the Freedom for the People of the Pacific Act

Section 2. Referenda
1. The following overseas areas will have the right to organize non-binding referenda to provide the federal government guidance with regard to determine their future in the republic of Atlasia: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Alaska.
a. full independence
b. remaining within the union but greater autonomy
c. status quo

2. The question and options of the referendum will be as follows: What do you believe should be the future of the state of X? (insert name of respective state/territory for X)
a. Full independence within five years
b. Greater autonomy within the Republic of Atlasia
c. Maintain current status

3. Voting procedure will be as normal as according to Atlasian election laws, and a majority of votes after RCV calculations (of those voters who turned out) is needed for one of the three options of the voters that turned out for one of those three options to win. Voting is entirely done by NPC populations/characters.

Section 3. Passage
1. Upon passage in favour of full independence, they'll get five (5) years the time to leave the union, those five years will be used to draft a new constitution, determine election laws, choose a currency and choose how they prefer future relations with the republic of atlasia, including a plan for their defense and the degree of economic aid from the republic of atlasia, based on negotiations
2. The Republic of Atlasia does not have the right to revoke this bill when a referendum for independence or greater autonomy and when this bill have passed.

Section 3 4. Decolonization
1. The Republic of Atlasia will firmly support a decolonization process globally and ally with anti-imperialist nations worldwide, granting economic & military aid to those who choose to separate and economically sanctioning those oppressing nations that do not comply.

Section 5. Territorial restructuring
1. Johnston Island is restructured within the Hawaiian State, effective immediately after passage.
2. Wake Island is restructured within the juridisiction of the Marshall Islands, effective immediately after passage

Section 6. Recognition of claims
1. The republic of Atlasia does not further claim the Guano islands, and recognise the Colombian claims on Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank
2. Control of Baker Island, Howland Island, Javer Island, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll and its infrastructure is given to the republic of Kiribati, to be transferred within seven days after passage of this law.

Section 4. Renunciation of Imperialist Claims:
1. Swains Island is recognized as part of Tokelau
2. Wake Island is recognized as part of the Marshall Islands
3. Bajo Nuevo Bank and Serranilla Bank are recognized as part of Colombia
4. Navassa Island is recognized as part of Haiti
5. Jarvis Island, Howland Island, and Baker Island shall be recognized as part of Kiribati.

Section 5. Territorial Restructuring
1. As a territory of the Kingdom of Hawaii before its annexation to Atlasia, Palmyra Atoll is recognized as an integral part of the State of Hawaii
2. Geographically proximate to Hawaii and lacking any autochthonous populations, Midway Island, Kingman Reef, and the Johnston Atoll are recognized as integral parts of the State of Hawaii.

Section 6 7. Apologies
1. The senate of the Republic of Atlasia expresses its deep regret and sorrow for violations made in the past and in its history that can be considered imperialist and/or colonialist.

Section 8. Census provision
1. People registered - within the game - in any of those states or territories that might secede will upon secession be automatically registered in the largest populated state in the region of where the state seceded, without the need for an additional post in the "new register thread". Additionally, under no circumstances shall this bill be interpreted to deny someones voting rights or participation in the game.

Section 7 9. Implementation:
1. Upon passage, the game moderators shall be tasked with the simulation of the referenda and further actions.
2. To comply with the Atlasian criminal law, it is re-iterated that intimidation of game moderators, defined as repeatedly trying to influence the game moderators in their task to simulate and handle the process is a criminal offense.

[Vice President Christian Man]

The Reagente amendment has been adopted.

Motioning for a final vote.

[Adam Griffin]

Nay. Even if this is somehow constitutional, it still feels like a ploy...

[Vice President Christian Man]

A final vote has been initiated:

Aye

[Dr. MB]

Aye