We believe that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose. Here are some of the principles of the Libertarian Party.
Minimum Government and Maximum Freedom
The role of government is to protect Life, Liberty and Property from force and fraud.
Non-Aggression
The only proper use of force is in defense of individual rights and country. The principles of voluntary action and non-initiation of force should guide all relationships between individuals, groups, and governments. We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression. The United States should avoid entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to police the world.
Victimless Crimes
Criminal and civil laws must be limited to violations of the rights of others through fraud, force, or deliberate and credible threats of imminent force. We reject laws that create “crimes” without victims for voluntary and consensual activities. These activities include, but not limited to, gambling, prostitution, and the manufacture, sale, possession, and use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes. We also reject government placing itself as a proxy victim of alleged “crimes.”
Personal Relationships
Sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender, or gender identity of adults should have no impact on the government’s treatment of individuals—such as in marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration, or military service laws. Government does not have the authority to define, license, or restrict personal relationships. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships.
Free Markets
We believe that each person has the right to offer goods and services to others in the free market. Private entities should be free to choose with whom they trade and set whatever trade terms are mutually agreeable. Therefore, we oppose all intervention by government into the area of economics. The only proper role, if any, of existing governments in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. Efforts to forcibly redistribute wealth or forcibly manage, regulate, or impede trade violate individual rights. We believe that all individuals have the right to dispose of the fruits of their labor as they see fit.