Devotees Bill of Rights

[ancient_paztriot]

USA (VNN) - from Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

It is time for a devotee's BILL OF RIGHTS. I hereby propose to the GBC to form, or allow another body of devotees to form, a BILL OF RIGHTS for the devotees. This is important as even the regular citizens have rights which are protected by the law. The GBC has made so many ISKCON laws and it is time to review these; modify them and form a BILL OF RIGHTS to protect all of the devotees now and in the future.

One of our basic rights should be freedom of speech and freedom of expression. The right to debate any controversy in a Vaisnava fashion should be allowed. The protection of the women, children and elders should be ISKCON law. The right to an education free from abuse of any kind should be available. The right to die in the Holy Dham for all of the devotees should be there with facility for such. The rights could be drawn up by a group a devotees after careful consideration. The GBC have made so many resolutions and laws for the institution and now it's time to formulate some legislation for the rights and protection of the devotees. Srila Prabhupada asked us to cooperate and a BILL OF RIGHTS would be a great way to facilitate our cooperation and protect the devotees.

Thank you for consideration on this matter,

Your servant,

Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

[Tarun]

Should/could/would these b considered unalienable bhakta rights:

1) right to honor prasAdam

2) right to attend all classes, istagosthis, meetings

3) right to question & answer period after every class, no escuses

4) right to perform HarinAm sankIrtan with group

5) right to occasionally lead kIrtan

6) right to dental/medical coverage

7) right to heat & hot water?

[Dervish]

So far the only right that ISKCON seems to be considering for non ISKCON Gaudiya Vaishnavas is the right to remain silent.