Murkowski Votes to Protect Disabled Worldwide with American Standards
Senator Supports U.N. Convention Against Handicapped, Blind Discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favor of ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that would protect the rights of disabled veterans, the handicapped and blind when they travel abroad, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Despite receiving bipartisan support, the treaty failed to receive the 67 Senate votes needed for ratification.
“This treaty’s bottom line is the most American principle that ‘All Men and Women Are Created Equal’ and deserve equal treatment – not to be discriminated against or be considered second-class citizens, due to their disabilities or afflictions,” said Murkowski after the vote. “Especially as we see so many veterans return home with disabilities due to our conflicts abroad, I believe we owe it to Americans traveling worldwide to have their rights protected.”
In addition to having bipartisan support in the United States Senate, the convention has been endorsed by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education, United States Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO.
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