Natural Rights
Bottom Line Up Front: Our administration will measure every policy against the question: does it protect or infringe natural rights? If the latter, we either reform it or repeal it. Colorado will be a state that recognizes its citizens’ rights come from God, not the Capitol, and thus cannot be arbitrarily removed by the Capitol.
a. Biblical & Philosophical Foundations: Natural Rights are rights granted by God by virtue of our humanity – not by government. As the Declaration of Independence declares, “all men are created equal…endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights”. This concept originates from the Judeo-Christian belief that humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and thus possess inherent dignity and rights that no government can legitimately deny. The Bible demonstrates respect for life, liberty, and property: “Thou shalt not murder” (sanctity of life), “thou shalt not steal” (property rights), “proclaim liberty throughout the land” (Leviticus 25:10) engraved on our Liberty Bell. Christian thinker John Locke articulated life, liberty, and property as God-given natural rights, directly influencing Jefferson’s wording of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We firmly assert that government’s first duty is to secure these God-given natural rights.
b. Constitutional Justification: The Constitution was designed to protect natural rights through specific guarantees (Bill of Rights) and limited powers. The Ninth Amendment even acknowledges that rights not listed are retained by the people – a nod to the vast array of natural rights. Originalism upholds that life, liberty, property were understood as fundamental. For instance, “liberty” in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments includes fundamental freedoms – freedom from arbitrary detention, the right to marry, to raise a family, etc. Our policy: any law or action infringing a core natural right must be critically examined and justified only if absolutely necessary for the protection of others’ rights. We adhere to the Lockean principle echoed in the Declaration: government exists by consent to secure these rights. Legislation that strays from that purpose becomes unjust.
c. Colorado Policy Conflicts: Sadly, Colorado has enacted or tolerated policies that violate natural rights:
1. Right to Life: The most foundational natural right is life. Yet Colorado law permits abortion on demand up to birth and explicitly states that a fetus has no rights. The 2022 Reproductive Health Equity Act declares “a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus does not have independent…rights” – a direct rejection of the natural right to life of the unborn. We believe every human life, born or unborn, is endowed by God with dignity and rights. We will work to protect life from conception (see Life From Conception section) by pursuing legislation that prohibits abortions and supports mothers so they don’t feel abortion is their only option.
2. Property Rights: Colorado’s growing web of regulations often infringes the right to acquire, use, and dispose of property freely. From excessive zoning rules to onerous business regulations, the state can trample the fruits of one’s labor. For example, farmers and ranchers face potential natural rights violations through proposals like the 2021 PAUSE initiative (though struck down) which would have effectively criminalized standard animal husbandry, threatening livelihoods and property usage. We will fight to ensure regulations are narrowly tailored and compensation is provided if property is taken for public use (as our state constitution requires). Eminent domain will be strictly limited as to be nearly non-existent.
3. Self-Defense: The natural right to preserve one’s life implies the right to self-defense. Colorado’s gun restrictions (magazine bans, waiting periods) undermine that. We see the Second Amendment as a recognition of a pre-existing natural right to self-defense. We will seek to roll back laws that leave law abiding citizens defenseless.
4. Personal Liberty: Colorado must guard personal decisions like medical freedom (see Vaccine Choice) and freedom of movement and occupation. During COVID, broad lockdowns restricted liberty beyond what was necessary to protect others’ rights. We propose a “Natural Rights impact assessment” for any emergency order – ensuring it’s the least restrictive means.