Update: The U.S. Senate rejected the treaty that was “intended to protect the rights of those with with disabilities.”
Today the United Nations will vote on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The treaty’s goal is to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure that they receive equal access to services and opportunities worldwide.
More than one billion people – about 15 percent of the world’s population – live with some form of disability. Many people – including caregivers – could be affected by the passing of this treaty.
But that doesn’t mean everyone’s on board with it. A vocal contingent has spoken out in opposition to the treaty, including Rick Santorum, Senator Mike Lee of Utah, and Michael Farris, who shares his views with The Takeaway. Farris is a constitutional lawyer and founder of the Home School Legal Defense Fund.