John Kerry: “If I might just say to my colleague, the resolution actually does address it, but I have not, so I think it would be…”

“If I might just say to my colleague, the resolution actually does address it, but I have not, so I think it would be important, if the Senator wishes to address that. Mr. McCAIN. Here is what they wrote, the former Attorney General--I have been blessed to live and know many Attorneys General, but I think all of us on both sides of the aisle would agree that Dick Thornburgh ranks up there at the top. This is what they write concerning the issue of homeschooling: Nothing in this treaty prevents parents from homeschooling or making decisions for their children. This treaty embraces IDEA, the ADA, and all of the disability nondiscrimination legislation that has made the United States a leader on disability rights. The specific provisions on women and children state that women and children with disabilities cannot be the victims of illegal discrimination--as is the case under U.S. law. Furthermore, the CRPD recognizes and protects the important role of the family and specifically protects children from being separated from their parents on the basis of a disability. We take a back seat to no one in our defense of the rights of parents to raise their children or in our support for our federalist system of government with sovereignty at both the Federal and State levels of government. Some opponents are also suggesting that somehow the U.S. law or existing parental rights would be impacted by supporting the treaty.…”