Are Humans Becoming Second-Class Citizens?

At the Center for Self Governance, we believe that governance begins with the individual—you, the natural person, endowed with unalienable rights by your Creator. But today, that foundation is under siege. Across the globe, debates are raging about granting "personhood" to artificial intelligence (AI), rivers, and even inanimate objects. What does this mean for you, the human citizen?

Let’s get clear on terms. Black’s Law Dictionary defines a "legal person" as an entity—like a corporation—that owns its rights and duties under the law. A "natural person," on the other hand, is a human being capable of exercising rights and duties. The distinction matters. Legal persons, like businesses, serve a purpose, but they don’t breathe, think, or dream. You do. Yet, some are pushing to elevate these artificial constructs—or even machines and ecosystems—above the natural person.

Take Washington state’s HB 2029, introduced by Rep. Hunter Abell. It boldly declares that personhood belongs to humans alone—“members of the species Homo Sapiens.” Why? Because the rise of AI and debates over granting rights to nature threaten to blur the lines, potentially making humans second to soulless systems. Imagine an AI "citizen" owning property or suing you, its rights enforced by faceless algorithms, while your voice gets drowned out. Or picture a river with legal standing, its "interests" trumping your family’s needs.

This isn’t sci-fi—it’s happening. New Zealand’s Whanganui River is a "legal person." India’s Ganges too. AI’s role in our lives grows daily, with some advocating it deserves rights. At CSG, we see the danger: if everything becomes a "person," the natural person—you—loses. Legal persons don’t vote with conscience or build communities. They don’t bear the moral weight of liberty. Elevating them risks turning humans into mere cogs in a machine, not masters of our destiny.

Our view, is unapologetic: governance flows from the consent of the governed—humans, not algorithms or forests.

What’s at Stake?

• Legal Chaos: If AI or nature gains personhood, who’s accountable? Can a machine be punished? Can a river pay taxes?

• Economic Power: Legal persons could amass wealth and influence, sidelining human citizens.

• Your Voice: Flood the system with non-human "persons," and the individual’s role in self-governance shrinks.

What Can You Do?

1. Learn: Dive into Personhood at centerforselfgovernance.com/pps.

2. Act: Support efforts that protect human primacy. Contact your representatives.

   1. Missouri House Bill 1462 introduces AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act

   2. Washington HB 2029 - 2025-26 Concerning recognition of legal personhood by a governmental entity.

   3. South Carolina General Assembly prohibits legal personhood for artificial intelligence

3. Train: Join our courses to equip yourself to protect self governance—for humans, by humans.

Humans aren’t second-class citizens. Let’s keep it that way.

Written with the assistance of Grok

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