SJR65 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Tom Whatley Bryan Taylor Clay Scofield Phillip W. Williams Bill Holtzclaw Paul Bussman Dick Brewbaker Shadrack McGill Greg J. Reed Scott Beason Paul Sanford Trip Pittman J.T. Waggoner Gerald H. Allen Mark Slade Blackwell
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: U. S. Senate urged to oppose ratification of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Summary: Alabama's SJR65 is a state resolution urging the U.S. Senate to oppose ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, arguing it would undermine parental rights and state sovereignty.
What This Bill Does
The resolution condemns the UNCRC and asks the U.S. Senate to reject ratification. It argues that parental rights and state authority should stay primary, and it expresses concerns about potential shifts of power to the federal government. It also directs that a copy of the resolution be sent to each U.S. Senator and to federal leaders.

Who It Affects
Residents and families in Alabama, as the resolution frames parental rights and local control as core values and signals a stance on how children should be raised in Alabama.
The United States Senate and federal government, since the resolution urges them to oppose ratification and requires communication of the stance to federal officials.

Key Provisions
Condemns the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Urges the United States Senate to reject ratification of the treaty.
Argues that ratification could override Alabama law and state sovereignty, shifting authority from states to the federal government.
States concerns about specific treaty provisions, including potential bans on corporal punishment, government review of parental decisions, override of religious upbringing, government review of education decisions, expansion of social spending programs, and creation of enforceable rights to leisure for children.
Requires copies of the resolution be provided to each U.S. Senator and to the President and presiding officers of the Senate and House.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Resolutions, Legislative