[1]POLICIES OF HIS MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
POLITIQUES DU GOUVERNEMENT DE SA MAJESTÉ
Abortion:
Illegal, except for cases in which the life of the mother is imperilled, and for cases of rape or incest.
Adultery:
Legal
Age of sexual consent:
16 years of age.
Age of legal majority:
18 years of age.
Artificial insemination:
Legal.
Bestiality:
Illegal.
Bilingualism:
English and French are granted equal status under the Constitution. All government services are provided in both languages.
Birth control:
Legal.
Citizenship:
Everyone born in Mapleston with at least one Maplestonian parent are deemed Maplestonian citizens (otherwise by descent). If born overseas, the person in question gains citizenship (by descent), if at least one parent is a Maplestonian citizen otherwise by descent.
Concealed-carry weapons:
Illegal, except for members of law enforcement agencies, the intelligence services and the Armed Forces.
Copyright law:
Valid until 70 years after the death of the author. Government works and publications are granted (special) Crown Copyright status.
Corporal punishment:
Illegal.
Daylight saving time:
Yes. One hour is added to Standard Time from the first Sunday in October until the first Sunday in April.
Death penalty:
Legal only for cases of High Treason against His Majesty. Executions shall be carried out by either hanging or a firing squad.
Divorce:
Illegal. However, persons wishing to be divorced can seek government approval through an Act of Parliament.
Drinking age:
18 to 21 years of age. Varies by province.
Driving age:
16 to 18 years of age. Varies by province.
Drug laws:
All recreational drugs are prohibited by law.
Dual and multiple citizenship:
Legal. However, Maplestonians with multiple citizenship status must enter or leave the country using a Maplestonian passport.
Education:
Compulsory until the age of 18.
Educational system and curriculum varies by province. Private schools are permitted, but are regulated by the national and provincial education ministries.
Elections:
The Government may call an election to be held at any time during a five-year period following the last election, when Parliament is dismissed, or upon losing a vote of confidence in the House of Commons.
Equal pay for equal work:
Yes.
Euthanasia:
Illegal. Classified as homicide.
Felony disenfranchisement:
No.
Flag desecration:
Illegal.
Freedom of assembly:
Legal.
Freedom of the press:
Legal, except in instances of war, national emergency or when national security is imperilled.
Freedom of movement:
Legal. Visas are required for foreign visitors, except for citizens of Ulrichshorst, or unless stated by treaty or law.
Freedom of religion:
Legal.
Freedom of speech and expression:
Legal, except in cases of hate speech, libel, inciting public disorder and High Treason against His Majesty.
Gambling age:
18 years of age.
Gun laws:
Legal for persons 18 years old and above. A gun licence must be obtained from the federal government after passing strict background checks, and is only valid for one firearm for a year. Civilians are allowed only two firearms. High-calibre weapons are banned.
Habeas corpus:
Yes. However, the writ can be suspended in instances of war or national emergencies, using an Order in Council issued by the Crown, upon the advice of the Cabinet.
Homosexuality in the military:
Legal. However, all members of the Armed Forces are expected to maintain a professional and respectable demeanour whilst in duty.
Human cloning:
Illegal.
Immigration:
The provinces and the federal government share responsibility for immigration policy. Immigrants are nominated by the provinces. A point-based system is in place to evaluate immigrants.
In-vitro fertilisation:
Legal.
Marriageable age:
18 years of age for all parties. 16 years of age with parental consent.
Minimum wage:
Yes.
National Service:
National Service in the Armed Forces has been discontinued since 1965. It may be reinstated in times of war, national emergency, or when an Order in Council has been issued by the Crown, upon the advice of the Cabinet.
Naturalisation:
Aliens willing to be naturalised must legally enter the country and apply for permanent residency. After five consecutive years, he may apply for citizenship, and if accepted, he must swear (or affirm) loyalty to His Majesty, to follow the laws of Mapleston and to fulfil the duties of citizenship.
Polygamy/Polyandry/Group marriage:
Illegal.
Pornography:
Legal, except for pornography involving persons below the age of legal majority.
Prostitution:
Illegal.
Royal Prerogative:
Can be used by His Majesty to appoint a Prime Minister, dissolve Parliament, sack the Prime Minister, veto laws, declare war, issue passports, ratify treaties and to pardon prisoners. Only used upon the advice of the Cabinet, or when democracy and good government is imperilled.
Same-sex marriage:
Legal since 1997.
Sex education:
Mandatory for all students from Grade 7 until 12.
Sex re-assignment surgery:
Legal.
Sex toys:
Legal.
Sexually transmitted infections:
Persons with knowledge of being infected must inform any potential sexual partner prior to any sexual acts; otherwise, consent given by sexual partner is considered void, and the carrier of the infection can face sexual assault charges.
Slavery and involuntary servitude
Illegal.
Smoking laws:
Illegal
State religion:
None. The Constitution forbids the establishment of a state religion. However, the Sovereign, and other members of the Royal Family are required by the Constitution to be members of the Catholic Church.
Trial by jury:
Yes. All Maplestonian citizens (with certain exceptions), upon attaining the age of majority, are required by law to register and serve in a jury.
Torture:
Illegal.
Voting:
Only Maplestonian citizens can vote in elections. The right to a secret ballot is ensured, and the first-past-the-post system of voting is used in national and provincial elections.
Voting age:
18 years of age for federal elections and referendums. Varies by province for provincial and local elections.
Working age:
16 to 18 years of age. Varies by province. A permit must be secured from the provincial government for certain cases of child labour.
Working week:
40-hour week for workers. Overtime work is allowed.
