Action Alert Update: The Senate passes the Intelligence Authorization Act! 02/13/2008

We have a victory in the struggle against torture. On February 13th, the Senate Senate passed anti -torture legislation requiring the CIA to follow the Army Field Manual by a vote of 51-46. The bill contains an amendment, Section 347, which prohibits any interrogation techniques not contained in the Army Field Manual. The measure, introduced by Senator Feinstein, specifically prohibits the CIA from using any techniques not described in the Field Manual. It would not allow the CIA to use the so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques", including waterboarding. Thank you to everyone who contacted their Senator. Advocacy can work!

While the victory is important, our holy work is not over. The President will almost certainly veto the bill, and our work is not over until this or similar anti-torture legislation is signed into law. We must continue to struggle to ensure that the image of God is recognized in every human being, including U.S.-detainees, and that the CIA upholds the principles of human dignity in their interrogations of suspects.

In other recent news, the Justice Department has ruled that waterboarding is no longer legal, though it was an acceptable technique when it was used against key suspects in 2005. The New York Times also has a good editorial on the decision to seek the death penalty against 6 Guantanamo detainees and the problem of seeking justice against those who have committed crimes against humanity.

It is important that our elected representatives hear from their constituents about their actions. Please take the time to call or fax your Senator and let them know how you feel about their vote on the 13th. As members of K'vod Habriot and Rabbis for Human Rights North America, we must let those who voted for the bill know that we stand with them against U.S.-sponsored torture of detainees, and remind those who voted against that we do not support torture done in our name. Samples texts,are below. In both cases, it reminds them that the voice of the North American Jewish community speaks loudly and strongly against torture. You can reach your Senator by calling the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121 or go to their website through the Senate website to get their fax number.

The full text of the Conference Report and the amendment (section 327)

The original Action Alert

If your Senator voted YES

To: The Honorable Senator _______, (or please tell Senator________),

Thank you for voting YES on the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report that included section 327, prohibiting torture. I am a member of K'vod Habriot: A Jewish Human Rights Network and I believe that every person is created in the image of God. Therefore, torture is always wrong, no matter what the justification. I was in touch with your office and I want to thank you for taking the time to listen. Thank you for standing up for human dignity.

If your Senator voted NO

To: The Honorable Senator _______, (or please tell Senator________,)

I am disappointed that you did not vote YES on the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report that included section 327, prohibiting torture. I am a member of K'vod Habriot: A Jewish Human Rights Network and I
believe that every person is created in the image of God. Therefore,
torture is always wrong, no matter what the justification. I do not want anyone tortured in my name. Information obtained in this manner is often unreliable and may not be admissible as evidence in court. The practice creates ill-will toward the United States and could make OUR soldiers less safe if they are captured. Please consider these factors if you are called upon to vote again on this issue. Thank you.