| UNA-BRVC Opposes Torture |  |
UNA-USA Blue Ridge Chapter Supports the McCain Amendment Against Torture
In November 2006, the Blue Ridge Chapter adopted the following resolution urging the Senate and the House to support the amendment to the Department of Defense appropriations bill initiated by Senator John McCain to prohibit the use of torture by U.S. military forces and other agencies. The resolution was sent to the President, the two Virginia Senators, and our area Representatives.
"UNA-USA BLUE RIDGE VIRGINIA CHAPTER RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE McCAIN AMENDMENT PROHIBITING TORTURE TO THE DOD APPROPRIATIONS BILL
WHEREAS, last month the Senate voted to support an amendment offered by Senator John McCain amending the DOD appropriations bill to reject the use of torture and other cruel and inhumane interrogation methods by US agencies and personnel;
WHEREAS, the Senate's support was overwhelming and bipartisan, with the Senate voting 90-9 to support Sen. McCain's amendment;
WHEREAS, as the bill heads to a joint congressional conference committee, the White House is actively pressing lawmakers to weaken the McCain language;
WHEREAS, the credibility of the United States in the United Nations and international community as a whole demands that the United States maintain its long and valued reputation as a respecter of human rights;
THEREFORE, the Blue Ridge Virginia Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA strongly urges members of Congress and the Senate to retain the McCain amendment in its original and strongest form, and to oppose all efforts to enshrine a policy permitting torture or the use of other cruel or inhumane interrogation efforts either by US military forces or other agencies."