25 Things Liberals Would Ban for Good if They Could

In today’s charged political landscape, advocating for various bans has become a signature move for many liberal groups, focusing on enhancing environmental sustainability, safeguarding public health, and promoting social justice.

There are so many initiatives and motivations driving this push for change—each ban revealing a deeper story about the values and visions fueling the liberal agenda.

Here are some of those liberal advocacies to understand a collective effort aimed at molding a more sustainable and just future.

1. Stop Single-Use Plastics

The Push for a Cleaner Planet: Single-use plastics such as straws, bags, and packaging materials contribute significantly to environmental pollution. These items, often used only once and discarded, can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Banning these plastics would drastically reduce waste in landfills and oceans, where they pose serious threats to wildlife and marine species. The push includes advocating for alternatives like biodegradable materials or reusable products.

A World Without Plastic Waste: The initiative has gained traction globally, with numerous municipalities and countries instituting bans or severe restrictions on single-use plastics. For instance, the European Union has enacted sweeping bans on certain single-use plastic items as part of a broader strategy to transition to a circular economy. (ref)

2. Ban Assault Weapons

Curbing Gun Violence: Assault weapons, designed for rapid-fire and high-capacity magazines, have no place in civilian hands, especially given their frequent use in mass shootings in the United States. The call for banning these weapons is part of a broader agenda to implement stricter gun control measures to reduce both everyday gun violence and mass shootings.

Statistics Speak Volumes: Evidence from other countries with strict gun control laws, such as Australia and Japan, demonstrates significant reductions in gun-related homicides following the implementation of rigorous gun regulations and bans on certain types of firearms. (ref)

3. Outlaw Conversion Therapy

Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights: Conversion therapy has been widely discredited by major medical organizations worldwide, which state that attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to severe psychological distress. Banning this practice protects LGBTQ+ individuals, especially minors, from these harmful and unscientific treatments.

Legislative Action and Support: Liberals promote legislation at both state and federal levels to outlaw conversion therapy. Such bans have already been enacted in numerous states across the U.S. and are seen as crucial steps in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and ensuring that therapy practices support, rather than harm, individuals.

4. End For-Profit Prisons

A Call for Justice Reform: The for-profit prison system in the U.S. has been criticized for creating financial incentives to increase incarceration rates, leading to higher numbers of imprisoned individuals and often poorer conditions due to cost-cutting measures. Liberals argue that the justice system should focus on rehabilitation rather than profit, promoting reforms that include the phasing out of private prisons.

Shifting Toward Rehabilitation: There is growing evidence that rehabilitation programs significantly reduce recidivism rates. (ref) Liberals advocate for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration, supporting policies that invest in education, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs within prisons.

5. Say No to Fracking

Environmental and Health Concerns: Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has been linked to a variety of environmental issues, including water table contamination and increased earthquake activity due to the injection of fluid into the ground at high pressure. The environmental and health risks associated with fracking make it an unsustainable practice. (ref)

The Push for Renewable Energy: The ban on fracking is often discussed in the context of a broader shift towards renewable energy sources. It’s important to advocate for increased investment in renewable technologies such as wind and solar power, viewing the transition as essential for sustainable energy independence and combating climate change.

6. Ban Glyphosate-Based Herbicides

Concerns Over Health Risks: Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide globally, has been classified by the World Health Organization’s cancer agency as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” (ref) Liberals call for a ban due to the potential cancer risk and the herbicide’s widespread presence in water, soil, and food.

Advocating for Safer Alternatives: The push to ban glyphosate includes promoting agricultural practices that rely on less harmful substances and methods, such as crop rotation and organic farming. Liberals support research into and development of alternative weed control methods that do not carry the same risks to health and the environment.

7. Eliminate Styrofoam

The Environmental Impact: Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene, is notorious for being difficult to recycle and extremely slow to degrade in the environment. Often used in food containers and packaging, Styrofoam can fragment into small particles that are harmful to wildlife and marine life when discarded improperly.

Transition to Compostables: Liberals advocate for Styrofoam bans because they support a transition to compostable and biodegradable alternatives that reduce waste’s impact on ecosystems. This shift also involves educating businesses and consumers about sustainable practices and the long-term benefits of using environmentally friendly materials.

8. End Cosmetic Animal Testing

Ethical Considerations: The ethical concerns surrounding animal testing for cosmetics involve significant animal welfare issues, as these tests often result in pain and suffering. Modern alternatives, such as in vitro methods and computer modeling, can provide humane and scientifically sound options for testing cosmetic products.

Supporting Cruelty-Free Products: There is a growing consumer demand for cruelty-free cosmetics, which has prompted some countries and regions to ban animal testing for cosmetics entirely. Liberals support these bans as part of a broader movement toward ethical consumerism and animal rights, encouraging companies to adopt policies that prioritize welfare and innovation without animal testing.

9. Remove Junk Food from Schools

Tackling Child Obesity: With the increasing rates of childhood obesity, liberals advocate for banning junk food in schools to promote healthier dietary habits among children. This approach focuses on preventing obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, which are often linked to poor diet from an early age.

Educational and Nutritional Reform: Proposed bans on junk food are often part of larger school nutrition reforms that include integrating comprehensive nutritional education into the curriculum.

10. Stop Predatory Loans

Protecting Financial Health: Payday loans are notorious for their high interest rates and predatory terms, which can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. Liberals view these practices as exploitative, particularly to low-income individuals, and support bans or strict regulations to curb these abuses.

Advocating for Fair Lending Practices: By promoting alternatives to payday loans, such as credit union loans, and supporting financial education, liberals aim to provide safer, more equitable access to emergency funds. This includes pushing for legislation that caps interest rates and fees, ensuring that loans are both accessible and fair to all consumers.

11. Protect the Bees

Bee Population at Risk: Neonicotinoids, a class of insecticides, have been scientifically linked to the significant decline in bee populations. Bees are crucial for pollination and the overall health of ecosystems. The widespread use of these chemicals affects not only bees but also other pollinators, who are essential for the production of many fruits, nuts, and vegetables. (ref)

Promoting Bee-Friendly Alternatives: Liberals push for the ban of neonicotinoids as part of a broader strategy to protect pollinators and maintain biodiversity. This approach includes encouraging farming practices that support pollinator health, such as planting pollinator-friendly crops and reducing pesticide use overall, which can help stabilize food supply chains and promote ecological balance.

12. End Flavored Tobacco

Targeting Youth Smoking Rates: Flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored vaping liquids, are particularly appealing to younger demographics, often serving as an entry point into nicotine addiction. These products are intentionally designed to attract teens and young adults, increasing their risk of lifelong addiction.

Push for Comprehensive Tobacco Control: By advocating for the ban of flavored tobacco, liberals aim to reduce smoking initiation rates among youth and lower the overall public health burden of tobacco-related diseases. This effort is part of comprehensive tobacco control that includes education, cessation support, and broader regulatory measures to restrict tobacco advertising and sales.

13. No More Private Military Contractors

Ethical and Accountability Issues: The use of private military contractors in conflict zones has raised significant concerns over ethical practices and accountability, especially given instances where these contractors have been implicated in human rights abuses. Outsourcing military operations to private firms undermines transparency and government oversight, leading to ethical gray areas.

Pushing for State-Controlled Forces: Advocating for a ban on private military contractors reflects a desire to ensure that military operations remain within the purview of state oversight, where accountability, legal standards, and ethical guidelines are more strictly enforced. This move aims to uphold international law and protect civilian populations in conflict areas.

14. Ban Microbeads

Small But Deadly to Marine Life: Microbeads, tiny plastic beads used in personal care products like face scrubs and toothpaste, can pass through water treatment systems and end up in waterways. There, they contribute to plastic pollution and pose serious risks to aquatic life. These particles are often ingested by marine animals, leading to toxicity and death.

Encouraging Biodegradable Alternatives: The call to ban microbeads is supported by the push for products that use natural or biodegradable alternatives that perform the same function without harming the environment. Liberals support legislative actions to ban microbeads, promoting environmental responsibility and innovation in product design.

15. End Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Criminal Justice Reform: Mandatory minimum sentences are viewed by many liberals as a flawed policy that contributes to the overcrowding of prisons and disproportionately affects minority communities. These fixed sentencing rules remove judicial discretion, often leading to disproportionately harsh penalties for non-violent offenders.

Advocating for Fair Sentencing: Liberals argue for the elimination of mandatory minimums, advocating instead for sentencing reforms that allow judges to make decisions based on the nuances of each case. This approach is intended to make the justice system more just and equitable, reducing recidivism through more tailored and rehabilitative measures.

16. Phase Out Plastic Water Bottles

Environmental Toll: Single-use plastic water bottles are a significant source of global plastic waste. These bottles, often used only once before disposal, contribute massively to landfill waste and ocean pollution. The production process itself is resource-intensive, consuming large amounts of water and fossil fuels.

Encouraging Reusable Alternatives: Liberals advocate for the reduction or ban of single-use plastic water bottles, encouraging the use of reusable bottles and improved access to safe tap water. This shift is part of a broader environmental strategy to reduce waste and promote sustainability in everyday practices.

17. Close Coal Mines

Environmental and Health Concerns: Coal mining is not only one of the dirtiest forms of energy production in terms of carbon emissions but also has severe impacts on local ecosystems and communities, including air and water pollution. These environmental and health risks justify calls for a transition away from coal-based energy. (ref)

Transition to Clean Energy: Liberals support the phasing out of coal mining and coal power plants, advocating for a shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are cleaner and increasingly cost-effective. This transition also involves supporting coal communities through job training and economic aid to mitigate the social impact of moving away from coal.

18. Stop Child Labor

Protecting Children’s Rights: Child labor deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development. Liberals argue for strict enforcement of laws prohibiting child labor to ensure that children are in school rather than in the workforce.

Strengthening Labor Laws: Advocacy against child labor involves promoting educational opportunities and social services to support children and their families, ensuring that economic necessity does not drive exploitation. International cooperation and fair trade practices are also promoted to address the root causes of child labor.

19. Reduce Packaging Waste

Waste Reduction: Excessive packaging, particularly in plastic and other non-sustainable materials, is a significant environmental issue. It contributes to the growing problem of waste, particularly in consumer products and food items, where packaging often far exceeds functional necessity.

Promoting Minimalism and Sustainability: By regulating and reducing excessive packaging, liberals aim to decrease waste and encourage companies to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions. This effort is part of a larger environmental consciousness that prioritizes reducing the carbon footprint and promoting recycling and reusability in the product lifecycle.

20. Abolish the Death Penalty

Moral and Ethical Concerns: The death penalty is a contentious issue, with liberals often opposing it on grounds of morality and human rights. It raises profound ethical questions regarding the state’s authority to take life, especially given the irreversible nature of the punishment and the potential for miscarriages of justice.

There are documented cases where new evidence has exonerated individuals on death row, underscoring the fallibility of the criminal justice system. (ref)

Push for Life Sentences with Rehabilitation: Liberals advocate for abolishing the death penalty and replacing it with life imprisonment, coupled with opportunities for rehabilitation. This approach not only eliminates the risk of executing an innocent person but also supports the possibility of rehabilitation and redemption. It’s seen as part of a broader reform towards a more humane and just correctional system that aims to rehabilitate rather than simply punish.

21. Ban Overfishing

Preserving Marine Life: Unsustainable fishing practices, such as overfishing and the use of destructive gear like bottom trawlers, lead to significant environmental degradation. These practices threaten marine biodiversity, deplete fish stocks, and destroy habitats, which can destabilize entire marine ecosystems.

Encouraging Sustainable Fisheries: The call for banning unsustainable fishing practices is coupled with promoting sustainable fishery management strategies. This includes enforcing catch limits, protecting critical habitats, and supporting eco-friendly fishing technologies. Such measures are intended to ensure the long-term viability of fish populations and marine ecosystems, promoting a balance between economic needs and environmental conservation.

22. Stop Using Harmful Pesticides

Protecting Health and the Environment: Many pesticides used in agriculture have been linked to a range of human health problems, from acute poisoning to long-term effects like cancer and endocrine disruption. Furthermore, these chemicals can have devastating impacts on wildlife, including pollinators crucial for food crops, and can contaminate soil and water sources.

Advocating for Organic Farming: Liberals push for banning harmful pesticides as part of a move towards more sustainable and organic farming practices. This approach favors the use of natural pest control and crop rotation techniques that minimize harm to the environment and public health. By promoting organic certification and supporting farmers in transitioning to organic methods, liberals aim to reduce the ecological footprint of agriculture and enhance food safety.

23. Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Noise and Air Pollution: Gas-powered leaf blowers are not only a source of significant noise pollution, disturbing peaceful residential areas, but they also emit pollutants that contribute to air quality problems. These devices release high levels of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, posing health risks to both operators and the general public, particularly in urban environments.

Promoting Electric Alternatives: The push to ban gas-powered leaf blowers includes advocating for the adoption of electric or battery-powered alternatives, which are much quieter and do not emit noxious gases. This initiative is aimed at reducing urban air pollution and enhancing the quality of life in communities.

24. Ban Public Smoking

Health Risks to the Public: Public smoking is a major health hazard that contributes to air pollution and exposes non-smokers to secondhand smoke, which contains numerous harmful chemicals linked to cancer, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular diseases. The impact on children and people with existing health conditions can be particularly severe.

Creating Smoke-Free Environments: By supporting bans on public smoking, liberals aim to protect public health and create cleaner, healthier environments for all citizens. These bans are often part of larger public health initiatives that include smoking cessation programs and public education campaigns about the risks of tobacco use.

25. Crack Down on Predatory Lending

Financial Exploitation: Predatory lending practices target vulnerable consumers with high interest rates and hidden fees, often trapping them in a cycle of debt. These practices can include payday loans, car title loans, and subprime mortgages. These practices exploit low-income individuals and exacerbate poverty and financial instability.

Ensuring Fair Access to Credit: Liberals advocate for strict regulations or bans on predatory lending practices to protect consumers from exploitation. This includes implementing interest rate caps, requiring clear disclosures about loan terms, and promoting fair lending practices. The goal is to ensure that all consumers have access to credit under terms that are fair and transparent, supporting financial stability and equity.