Whether IT IS/THEY ARE political or civil rights, we need laws that don’t allow any kind of violation of rights in society Technically it is they are (because political or civil rights is plural), but you may want more words here to explain your meaning. For example: Whether about political or civil rights, we need laws that don't allow any kind of violation of rights in society. Whether they are political or civil rights laws, we need laws that don't allow any kind of violation of rights in society. Hope this helps!