CONDEMNING THE USE OF TORTURE

WHEREAS, the atrocities of Sept. 11, 2001, have justifiably outraged all people of good will in the United States and in the world; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. military response is understandable and has been effective in destroying the havens protecting the perpetrators of these horrendous murders; and

WHEREAS, American justice and civilization has never promoted or condoned the use of torture as a law enforcement or military method of interrogation; and

WHEREAS, the use of torture humiliates not only the victims but also degrades those civilian or military forces that employ it; and

WHEREAS, the use of torture is inhumane and violates all current human rights standards; and

WHEREAS, the use of torture against perpetrators of heinous deeds often results in more sympathy for the perpetrators:

RESOLVED, that the AFT urge the U.S. government and its respective agencies to continue the prohibition against torture as an interrogation method; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT urge the U.S. government to continue to condemn the use of torture by any and all governments.