Amending the Constitution to provide for the right to food, food sovereignty and freedom from hunger
Impact
If ratified, HJR12 would establish a robust legal framework protecting individuals' rights related to food sovereignty. This could potentially influence existing state laws regarding agricultural practices, food distribution, and land use. The proposed amendment emphasizes the importance of local food systems, allowing individuals to forage, farm, and hunt for sustenance without fear of infringing on property rights. It addresses broader issues of food access and security, and aims to empower citizens to make choices regarding their food sources freely.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 12 (HJR12) proposes a significant constitutional amendment to the Bill of Rights of the State of West Virginia. The resolution seeks to enshrine the right to food, food sovereignty, and freedom from hunger within the State Constitution. This amendment defines the right to food as the natural, inherent, and inalienable right of all people to acquire, produce, and consume food of their own choosing, while also ensuring freedom from hunger and malnutrition. The aim is to solidify food security as a fundamental right, safeguarding against the disparate impacts of food scarcity and access issues.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HJR12 is mixed, signaling a growing concern about food sovereignty and hunger in West Virginia. Supporters of the resolution view it as a progressive step toward addressing food insecurity and promoting agricultural diversity. They argue that by enshrining the right to food in the Constitution, the government recognizes its responsibility to ensure that every individual has access to nutritious food. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of such a constitutional guarantee, questioning the feasibility of enforcing these rights and potential regulatory burdens on land use and agricultural practices.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HJR12 include debates over the relevance and practicality of a constitutional amendment focused on food rights. Critics may challenge how such rights would be enforced and what measures would be necessary to uphold them within existing state and federal laws. Furthermore, discussions about potential unintended consequences, such as the impact on agricultural businesses and property rights, may arise as legislators examine the broader implications of embedding food rights into state law.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa recognizing a right of persons to food and a fundamental right to be free from hunger.