The Forum > Article Comments > Liberties rest in the hands of the vigilant > Comments
Liberties rest in the hands of the vigilant : Comments
By George Williams, published 30/6/2005George Williams argues the fragile protection of human rights in Australia faces a new danger.
- Pages:
-
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- Page 6
- 7
- 8
-
- All
A Bill of Rights offers no protection if things get ugly and the rule of law breaks down. Germany's 1919 constitution contained a very nice Bill of Rights, including the following articles;
Article 11 : The freedom of the person is inviolable.
Article 118 : Every German has the right, within the limits of the general laws, to express his opinions freely in speech, in writing, in print, in picture form or in any other way.
Article 12 : All Germans have the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed without giving notice and without special permission.
Article 135 : All inhabitants of the Reich enjoy full religious and conscientious freedom. The undisturbed exercise of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution and is under state protection.
This continued in force throughout the Nazi period. Despite its high ideals it was as worthless as a hyperinflated banknote.