Former Labour justice secretary Jack Straw said the Strasbourg court had "extended its jurisdiction" from "fundamental human rights into social and civic rights, for which we have not signed up".

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The treaty gives legal force to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, a sweeping catalogue of social and civil rights.

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Asked why Poland had followed Britain in seeking a semi-exemption from the Charter of Fundamental Rights (a sweeping list of social and political rights), officials said their government was worried that the charter could force Poland to legalise gay marriage and accept unlimited abortion.

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"But recent developments in this context, which infringe fundamental and legal rights of the larger section of citizens, create social upheaval, anarchy, chaos and unrest leading to an adverse law and order situation", it added.

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Occupy Wall Street (OWS) has provided a rare up-close and personal look at a social system animated by the desire for political power that disrespects, if not completely disregards, fundamental property rights.

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