5 years ago

Petition: Reform Conservatorship Laws

The #FreeBritney movement was started by concerned Britney Spears fans to bring awareness to the singer’s lack of freedom. After her mental health crisis in 2008, Britney was put under a conservatorship by her father, Jamie Spears. Conservatorships are legal arrangements, in which a conservator “takes care” of another individual, who has been deemed “unfit” to care for themself. That individual is required to relinquish all of their rights to the conservator, including the right to vote, marry, have/see their children, spend their money, decide what medications to take, hire a lawyer, and have any contact with the outside world.

Since her conservatorship, Britney has worked consistently, going on world tours, releasing albums, and appearing on television. However, as a conservatee, Britney does not have control over her finances. Her father does. Thus, #FreeBritney supporters, speculate that she is being used by him to make money. If she is well enough to do so much work, then surely she must be able to take make decisions for herself.

Britney’s father stepped down as the head of her conservatorship in 2019 and Britney has expressed that she is “strongly opposed” to her father returning. Instead, she preferred that Jodi Montgomery stay in his place. The conservatorship was last extended at the end of 2020 until September of 2021.

Recently, Britney appeared in court again for another hearing. She gave more details about her conservatorship, calling it “abusive” and describing how she was forced to keep in an IUD that she didn’t want.

Source: Brut America/YouTube

While Britney’s case has brought the issue of conservatorship into the public eye, they affect so many other individuals. Conservatorships are nearly impossible to get out of because conservatees don’t even have the right to hire a legal team. Conservatorships are supposed to be a last resort, but that isn’t always the case. While people with mental health issues and disabilities may need more Support, taking away their rights isn’t the answer. As the ACLU points out, “conservatorships don’t necessarily actually make people safer: They can result in financial, physical, or emotional abuse.”

Sign this petition to demand that the U.S. Congress reform conservatorships to make them a last resort and pass legislation providing ample resources for conserved individuals to regain their full rights as human beings!

Reform Conservatorship LawsClick Here to Sign Petition

To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:

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