Meet the ACLU

January 2, 2008

From David Barton and Wall Builders.

The ACLU aggressively pursues an agenda in many different areas that seeks to undermine the values and beliefs of most Americans in those areas. (Unless noted otherwise in the footnotes, the sources are from the ACLU’s website: http://www.aclu.org.)

Criminal Justice Issues

The ACLU opposes:

Ø The use of drug-sniffing dogs [1]

Ø Attempts to strengthen DUI alcohol laws [2]

Ø Laws restricting areas where the sexual offenders of children can live [3]

Ø Life sentences for juveniles convicted of extremely violent crimes [4]

Ø The “Three Strikes” law mandating harsher sentences for those with three felony convictions [5]

Ø Withholding voting rights for felons [6]

The ACLU opposes the death penalty, and:

Ø Claims: “The death penalty is contrary to fundamental notions of human rights. The United States is the only major country of the Western world that tolerates the death penalty.” [7]

Ø Seeks to halt death penalty executions, [8] claiming that “death by lethal injection is extraordinarily painful and [can] constitute cruel and unusual punishment.” [9]

 

Illegal Drug Issues

The ACLU opposes:

Ø Mandatory sentencing laws for crack-cocaine possession [10]

Ø Shutting down Methadone clinics [11]

Ø Laws stipulating where half-way houses may be located [12]

Ø Drug testing of welfare recipients [13]

Ø Federal faith-based drug treatment programs [14]

Ø Federal laws banning student loans to convicted drug addicts [15]

The ACLU supports:

Ø “Medical” marijuana laws [16]

 

Abortion Issues

The ACLU supports:

Ø Abortion and abortion-on-demand [17]

Ø Increased funding for pro-abortion groups such as Planned Parenthood [18]

Ø Euthanasia [19]

The ACLU opposes:

Ø Abstinence-only sex education for students [20]

Ø Conscience protection rights for medical providers [21]

Ø Informed consent and “Women’s Right to Know” laws [22]

Ø Pro-life state license plates [23]

Immigration & Illegal Alien Issues

The ACLU supports:

Ø Government services for illegal aliens [24]

The ACLU opposes:

Ø Federal immigration laws targeting border security and preventing entrance of illegal aliens [25] as well as the enforcement of those laws [26]

Ø Denying drivers licenses to illegal aliens [27]

Ø Federal laws identifying citizenship status of those receiving treatment at medical facilities [28]

 

Homosexual Issues

The ACLU supports:

Ø Homosexuality [29]

Ø Gay marriage [30] and benefits for gay “families” [31]

Ø Adoptions by gays, [32] gays as foster parents, [33] “parental” rights for gay “parents,” [34] and gay parent family training [35]

Ø Gay clubs on school campuses, [36] gay campus publications and articles on campus, [37] and forcing straight students to attend gay sensitivity training [38]

Ø Gays in the military [39]

Ø Pro-gay state license plates [40]

The ACLU opposes:

Ø Marriage between only a man and a woman [41]

Ø A school competition asking “students to explain why preserving marriage between men and women is vital to society and why unborn children merit respect and protection.” [42]

The ACLU supports:

Ø Bigamy and polygamy [43]

Ø Pedophilia and legalizing sex between children and adults [44]

Ø Transgender rights [45]

 

Religious Expression Issues

The ACLU opposes:

Ø Ten Commandments displays [46]

Ø Use of government facilities by the Boy Scouts [47]

Ø Religious symbols in public parks [48]

Ø Prayers at military academies [49]

At the federal level, the ACLU opposes:

Ø Keeping “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance [50]

Ø Keeping the national motto (“In God We Trust”) on currency [51]

Ø Faith-based programs [52]

Ø The observance of religious holidays [53]

At the state level, the ACLU opposes:

Ø The mention of God in a state motto [54]

Ø Prayers to open legislatures [55]

Ø Moment-of-silence laws at schools [56]

Ø Religious sales tax exemptions [57]

Ø Educational choice and vouchers [58]

Ø Prayer in judicial arenas [59]

At the local level, the ACLU opposes:

Ø Character cities [60]

Ø Mayor’s prayer breakfasts [61]

Ø City council prayers [62]

Ø School board prayers [63]

Ø Nativity scenes [64]

Ø Religious symbols in city seals [65]

Ø Voluntary distribution of Gideon Bibles [66]

In schools, the ACLU opposes:

Ø Graduation prayers [67]

Ø Athletic prayers [68]

Ø Intelligent Design or any mention of creation or a Creator [69]

Ø Prayers at school [70] or at school events [71]

Ø School choirs singing religious songs [72]

Miscellaneous Issues

Ø Opposes library policies blocking access of minors to sexual content, gambling, and illegal activities [73]

Ø Opposes denying visas to foreigners who oppose the United States government [74]

Ø Opposes one federal agency from sharing with another federal agency the information that it has on Arabs in America [75]

Ø Supports anti-American foreign terrorists captured on the battlefield having the same constitutional protections as U. S. citizens, [76] even though the guarantees in the U. S. Constitution apply only to American citizens

Ø Supports activists disrupting military funerals and confronting the distraught family members with offensive and inappropriate language [77]

Ø Opposes banning convicted sex offenders from having access to parks where children play [78]

Ø Supports the notion that the “separation of church and state” trumps students’ freedom of speech [79]

 


[1] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Illinois Disappointed with High Court Ruling on Drug Dog Searches” (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2004/20925prs20050124.html); ACLU.org, “Nine Mile Falls School District Abandons Drug-Sniffing Dog Searches” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/youth/24848prs20060330.html).

[2] ACLU.org, “New Report Challenges Rhode Island Drunk Driving Statistics” (at http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/gen/23414prs20060109.html).

[3] ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Review Iowa’s Sex Offender Residency Restriction” (at http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/gen/20127prs20050929.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Washington Files Lawsuit over Issaquah Housing Ordinance” (at http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/gen/20179prs20050831.html).

[4] ACLU.org, “Children Sentenced to Life Without Parole Bring Plea to Human Rights Body“ (at http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/sentencing/24237prs20060222.html).

[5] ACLU.org, “After High Court Upholds Harsh “˜Three Strikes” Sentencing Law'” (at http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/sentencing/10196prs20030305.html).

[6] ACLU.org, “ACLU of WA Supports New Legislation to Restore Voting Rights to Ex-Felons” (at http://www.aclu.org/votingrights/exoffenders/12987prs20030224.html).

[7] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Massachusetts Decries Federal Imposition of Death Penalty Charge in Local Murder Case” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/10427prs20031223.html).

[8] ACLU.org, “ACLU Says California’s Use of Paralytic Drug During Executions is Unconstitutional” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/10616prs20050113.html); ACLU.org, “Kansas Supreme Court Strikes Down Death Penalty Law” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/moratorium/10620prs20041221.html); ACLU.org, “NYCLU Hails New York Appeals Decision Invalidating State Death Penalty” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/10609prs20040624.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Massachusetts Decries Federal Imposition of Death Penalty Charge in Local Murder Case” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/10427prs20031223.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Sues Ohio Officials to Expose Hidden Procedures in Execution of Death Row Inmates” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/10589prs20030925.html).

[9] ACLU.org, “ACLU Challenges Maryland’s Death Penalty” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/23980prs20060120.html); ACLU.org, “Tennessee’s Use of Lethal Injection Chemical Blocks Public’s First Amendment Right to Know, Says ACLU” (at http://www.aclu.org/capital/general/10538prs20050608.html).

[10] ACLU.org, “ACLU Says Mandatory Minimums are Discriminatory and Urges Inter-American Commission to Condemn Unfair Practice” (at http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/sentencing/24361prs20060303.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Sentencing Experts Urge Federal Court to Uphold Judges’ Right to Reject 100-to-1 Crack/Powder Ratio“ (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/sentencing/23568prs20060120.html).

[11] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Virginia Offers Legal Aid to Methadone Clinics Barred From Opening Under New Law” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/harm/10785prs20050303.html).

[12] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Florida Asks Court to Strike Down Ban on Residential Housing for Recovering Addicts” (at http://www.aclu.org/disability/housing/10647prs20030307.html).

[13] ACLU.org, “Settlement Reached in ACLU of Michigan Lawsuit Over Mandatory Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/testing/10687prs20031218.html).

[14] ACLU.org, “ACLU Decries House Legislation that Earmarks $100 Million For Unproven Faith-Based Drug Treatment Programs” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16078prs20030710.html).

[15] ACLU.org, “ACLU Challenges Federal Law That Refuses Financial Aid to Students With Drug Convictions” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/gen/24713prs20060322.html).

[16] ACLU.org, “Round Two Begins in Legal Fight to Force Feds to Honor States’ Medical Marijuana Laws“ (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/medmarijuana/24002prs20060131.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Others Ask Federal Court to Approve City of Santa Cruz Plan to Provide Medical Marijuana Directly to Patients” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/medmarijuana/24002prs20060131.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Alaska Calls on Attorney General to Clarify State’s Commitment to Uphold Medical Marijuana Statute” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/medmarijuana/10802prs20050616.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Oregon Urges State Officials to Immediately Resume Medical Marijuana Card Program“ (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/medmarijuana/10796prs20050609.html); ACLU.org, “Oregon Medical Marijuana Patients Still Protected, ACLU Says” (at http://www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/medmarijuana/10796prs20050609.html).

[17] ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Defeat of Abortion Ban in Mississippi” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/24767prs20060328.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Calls on South Dakotans to Join the Effort to Stop Extreme Abortion Ban” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/24792prs20060324.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Says South Dakota’s Extreme Abortion Ban Will Endanger Women’s Health and Lives” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/24383prs20060306.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and National Abortion Federation Call On U.S. Supreme Court to Hold Women’s Health Paramount” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/24224prs20060221.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and National Abortion Federation Hail Two Appeals Court Rulings Holding Federal Abortion Ban Unconstitutional” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/24004prs20060131.html); ACLU.org, “Planned Parenthood and ACLU Ask Supreme Court to Protect Women’s Health in First Abortion Case Before the Roberts Court” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/21864prs20051130.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Supreme Court Decision Allowing Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services for MO Prison Inmate” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/21229prs20051017.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and National Abortion Federation Ask Appeals Court to Uphold Ruling Striking Down Federal Abortion Ban” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/20119prs20051006.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Court Strikes Michigan Abortion Ban for Third Time; Reproductive Rights Groups Hail the Decision” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/20300prs20050915.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Praises Court Decision Striking Arizona Jail Policy Denying Inmates Access to Timely, Safe and Legal Abortions” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/20045prs20050825.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and National Abortion Federation Hail First Appeals Court Ruling Holding Federal Abortion Ban Unconstitutional” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/20120prs20050708.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Planned Parenthood Applaud Court Decision Striking Idaho’s Third Attempt at Restricting Teenagers’ Access to Abortion” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/index.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Launches Web Site for Reproductive Rights Activists” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12642prs20050623.html); ACLU.org, “Groups Ask Court to Block Michigan’s Abortion Ban” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/12635prs20050614.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Calls Upon Congress to Protect the Health and Reproductive Rights of Women in the Military” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12630prs20050525.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Confident the U.S. Supreme Court Will Uphold Lower Court Decision Striking New Hampshire Law Restricting Teenagers’ Access to Abortion” (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2004/13917prs20050523.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Awarded 2005 Christopher Tietze Humanitarian Award for Its Work on Challenge to the Federal Abortion Ban” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12597prs20050420.html); ACLU.org, “Planned Parenthood and ACLU Applaud Decision by U.S. Supreme Court Refusing to Review Idaho Law Restricting Teenagers’ Access to Abortion” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/12618prs20050328.html); ACLU.com, “ACLU Denounces Teen Endangerment Act” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/12611prs20050317.html); ACLU-Mn.org, “Michigan Abortion Ban Put on Hold While Challenge Proceeds” (at http://www.aclu-mn.org/22Apr20055.html); ACLU.org, “As House Convenes Hearings, ACLU Says Teen Endangerment Act Puts Vulnerable Lives at Risk“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12627prs20050303.html); CLRP.org, “Women’s Health Care Providers Challenge MI Law Banning Virtually All Abortions“ (at http://www.crlp.org/pr_05_0301michigan.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and National Abortion Federation Vow to Defend Federal Abortion Ban Victory As DOJ Pursues Appeal“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/12741prs20050115.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down New Hampshire Law Restricting Teens’ Access to Abortion“ (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2005/12738prs20041124.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Abortion Ban Struck Down Today in Nebraska“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/12715prs20040908.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Abortion Ban Struck Down Today in New York“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/12728prs20040826.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Warns Legislation Would Put Lives of Young Women at Risk“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/youth/12721prs20040720.html); ACLU.org, “Planned Parenthood and ACLU Hail Appeals Court Decision Striking Down Idaho’s Extreme Parental Consent Law“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/youth/12722prs20040716.html); ACLU.org, “Closing Arguments in Federal Abortion Ban Trial Heard Today in New York“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortion/12719prs20040622.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Says Adults Helping Frightened Teens Should Not Become Outlaws“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/youth/12583prs20040603.html); ACLU.org, “Reproductive Rights Groups Hail First Ruling To Permanently Block Federal Abortion Ban“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/abortionbans/12587prs20040601.html).

[18] ACLU.org, “ACLU Hails Amendment to Increase Funding to Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/24612prs20060316.html).

[19] ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Federal Court Decision Upholding Oregon’s Death with Dignity Law” (at http://www.aclu.org/disability/gen/10634prs20020417.html).

[20] ACLU.org, “ACLU Hails Rhode Island Department of Education Efforts to Stop the Use of Harmful “˜Abstinence-Only-Until-MarriageCurriculum in Public Schools“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/sexed/24721prs20060322.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Announces Settlement in Challenge to Government-Funded Religion in the Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Program the “˜Silver Ring Thing'” (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/sexed/24246prs20060223.html); “ACLU Announces Nationwide Action Aimed at Combating Dangerous Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curricula in the States“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/20117prs20050921.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Federal Government’s Decision to Suspend Public Funding of Religion by Nationwide Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Program“ (at http://www.aclu-mass.org/news/08.22.05%20SilverRing.pdf); LAACLU.org, “ACLU Troubled by Court’s Refusal to Hold Louisiana Governor’s Program on Abstinence in Contempt for Continuing to Preach with Taxpayer Dollars“ (at http://www.laaclu.org/News/2005/June24GPADecision.htm); ACLU.org, “ACLU Challenges Misuse of Taxpayer Dollars to Fund Religion in Nationwide Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Program“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12602prs20050516.html); LAACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Court to Stop Louisiana Governor’s Program on Abstinence From Continuing to Preach with Taxpayer Dollars“ (at http://www.laaclu.org/News/2005/March24AbstinenceHearing.htm); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Court to Hold Louisiana’s Abstinence-Only Program in Contempt“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12754prs20050120.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Calls On Lawmakers to Stop Spending Taxpayer Dollars on Dangerous Abstinence-Only Sex Education“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12740prs20041201.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Louisiana to Remove Religious Content from Abstinence-Only Website“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/sexed/12734prs20041117.html); ACLU.org, “NYCLU Criticizes Ban on Condom Demonstrations in Sex Education Classes in New York” (at http://www.aclu.org/hiv/prevention/11572prs20040827.html);

[21] ACLU.org, “ACLU Condemns Passage of Measure That Allows Religiously Affiliated Health Care Institutions to Jeopardize Women’s Health“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12737prs20041120.html)

[22] ACLU.org, “Planned Parenthood and ACLU Hail Florida Appeals Court Decision Striking Down Law that Would Have Forced Physicians to Give Patients Irrelevant Information“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/medical/12731prs20041013.html).

[23] ACLU.org, “ACLU Troubled By Appeals Court Decision Allowing Anti-Choice License Plate in Tennessee“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/24696prs20060317.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Appeals Court To Uphold Ruling Blocking Anti-Choice License Plate in TN“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/21253prs20051102.html); ACLU.org, “Tennessee Court Blocks Anti-Choice License Plate; ACLU and Planned Parenthood Say Decision Protects Free Speech“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12711prs20040924.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Planned Parenthood Ask Tennessee Court to Block Anti-Choice License Plate“ (at http://www.aclu.org/reproductiverights/gen/12709prs20040923.html).

[24] ACLU.org, “Ohio’s Proposed Immigration Plan Will Disadvantage Community“ (at http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/discrim/24486prs20060307.html) ACLU.org, “Leaving Immigrants Out of Census Will Result in Funding Shortfalls, ACLU Says” (at http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/discrim/24486prs20060307.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Indiana Urges Rejection of Anti-Immigrant Bill” (at http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/23963prs20060127.html).

[25] ACLU.org, “ACLU Calls Flawed House Border Security Bill An Assault on Privacy” (at http://www.aclu.org/safefree/general/22437prs20051208.html).

[26] ACLU.org, “Community Members Express Concerns Over Orange County Plan to Involve Local Police in Federal Immigration Enforcement” (at http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/23230prs20051216.html).

[27] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Rhode Island Sues DMV Over Driver’s License Procedures For Immigrants” (at http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/11746prs20050523.html).

[28] ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Rhode Island Hospitals to Protect Patients’ Privacy” (at http://www.aclu.org/immigrants/gen/11817prs20040921.html).

[29] ACLU.org, “About Us” (at http://www.aclu.org/about/index.html).

[30] ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges New York’s High Court to End Unfairness Against Gay Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24354prs20060303.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Tennessee Files Appeal Over Passage of Anti-Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24349prs20060223.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Promises to Appeal Marriage Case for Same-Sex Couples to New York’s Highest Court“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24175prs20060216.html); ACLU.org, “Oral Arguments Held in Federal Appeals Court: ACLU and Lambda Legal Urge Court to Uphold Prior Ruling Striking Down Extreme Antigay Nebraska Law Banning All Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24136prs20060213.html); ACLU.org, “Six Same-Sex Couples Urge Florida Supreme Court to Strike Initiative Threatening Families of Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24103prs20060208.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Pennsylvania Calls Proposed Constitutional Amendment Anti-Family and Discriminatory“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24079prs20060124.html); ACLU.org, “Maryland Court Says State Cannot Bar Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/23558prs20060120.html); ACLU.org, “Religious and Civil Rights Groups Support Same-Sex Couples in Legal Battle to Marry“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/23411prs20060110.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Utah Files Friend-of-the-Court Brief in Support of Domestic Partner Benefits for Salt Lake City Employees“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21623prs20051111.html); ACLU.org, “Senate Panel Must Rebuff Discriminatory Amendment to Constitution, ACLU Says Measure Must be Stopped Again“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/21213prs20051109.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU, NCLR, and Lambda Legal Urge California Appeals Court to Affirm Decision Ending Unfairness Against Same-Sex Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/21204prs20051109.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Lambda Legal Urge Federal Appeals Court to Uphold Ruling Striking Down Extreme Nebraska Law Banning All Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21251prs20051101.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Calls on Lawmakers to Reject Discriminatory Marriage Amendment Again“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/21165prs20051020.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges New York Appeals Court to Strike Down Law Barring Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21150prs20051017.html); ACLU.org, “Proponents of Anti-Gay Initiative Concede It Would Ban Civil Unions and Domestic Partnership Laws“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21139prs20051012.html); ACLU.org, “Six Same-Sex Couples File Challenge to a Florida Anti-Gay Initiative Threatening all Protections for Families of Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/19955prs20050921.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Massachusetts Praises Legislators for Voting Down Discriminatory Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/20044prs20050914.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Maryland Court to Strike Down Law Barring Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/19936prs20050830.html); ACLU.org, “Maryland Religious Leaders Join Together to Support Marriage for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/19866prs20050829.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges New York Appeals Court to End Unfairness Against Gay Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12202prs20050519.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Court Strikes Down Nebraska’s Anti-Gay-Union Law Banning Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12201prs20050512.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Tennessee Files Lawsuit Challenging State Amendment Banning Marriages for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12233prs20050421.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds California Judge’s Decision Ending Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu-mn.org/16Mar20052.html); “Massachusetts ACLU and Town Clerks Challenge Governor’s Discriminatory Ban on Marriage Licenses for Non-Resident Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12138prs20050311.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Washington Supreme Court To Uphold Marriage Equality“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12144prs20050308.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Decision by New York Trial Judge Striking Down Laws Banning Same-Sex Couples from Marrying“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12432prs20050204.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Criticizes Reintroduction of Federal Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12431prs20050124.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges California Trial Court to End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12446prs20041222.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU to Ask the Oregon Supreme Court to Provide Same-Sex Couples With Protections of Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12443prs20041215.html); ACLU.org, “New York Trial Court Decision Denying Marriage for Same-Sex Couples Advances ACLU Lawsuit to Appeals Court“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12456prs20041207.html); ACLU.org, “New CD Marry Me Supports the ACLU’s Efforts to Win Marriage for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/12427prs20041112.html); ACLU.org, “Following Passage of Gay Marriage Bans in 11 States, ACLU Vows to Continue Striving for Equality“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12430prs20041103.html); ACLU.org, “Prominent Legal Scholars Join ACLU Lawsuit Challenging Georgia Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12420prs20041020.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Lambda Legal Urge Federal Court To Strike Down Nebraska Law Banning Recognition of Gay Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12417prs20041015.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Disappointed with Arkansas Supreme Court’s Decision on Misleading “Marriage” Ballot Initiative“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12422prs20041007.html);

[31] ACLU.org, “Unanimous Alaska Supreme Court Says It Is Unconstitutional to Deny Equal Benefits to Lesbian and Gay State Employees“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21248prs20051028.html). ACLU.org, “Michigan Marriage Amendment Does Not Reach the Workplace, Judge Rules“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/20055prs20050927.html?ht); ACLU.org, “ACLU Sets Record Straight on Costs of Domestic Partner Benefits“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/19859prs20050714.html); ACLU.org, “California Supreme Court Clears the Way for Comprehensive Domestic Partnership Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12248prs20050629.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Launches Marriage Campaign to Move Americans to Treat Families of Same-Sex Couples More Fairly“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/12210prs20050516.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Seeks Health Insurance and Family Leave for Lesbian and Gay Wisconsin State Employees“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12232prs20050420.html); ACLUFL.org, “ACLU Says Florida’s Proposed Marriage Ban Threatens Health Benefits for Thousands of Families“ (at http://www.aclufl.org/news_events/?action=viewRelease&emailAlertID=961); ACLU-SC.org, “ACLU Cheers Decision by California Appeals Court Removing Legal Challenge to Domestic Partnership Law“ (at http://www.aclu-sc.org/News/Releases/2005/100848/); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Michigan Files Lawsuit of Behalf of 21 Couples Who May Lose Same-Sex Partner Benefits Under Proposal 2“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12192prs20050321.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Files Discrimination Lawsuit on Behalf of Couple Kicked Out of Health Care Center Because They Are Lesbian“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/discrim/12133prs20050224.html); ACLU.org, “NYCLU Files Same-Sex Benefits Lawsuit on Behalf of Rochester Woman“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/discrim/12436prs20050113.html); ACLU.org, “Montana High Court Says University System Must Provide Gay Employees with Domestic Partner Benefits“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12451prs20041230.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Ends Discrimination Lawsuit Against the University of Pittsburgh Following Decision to Provide Equal Benefits to Gay Employees“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/discrim/12404prs20041005.html).

[32] ACLU.org, “ACLU and NCLR Halt Legal Action After Promise from California Adoption Agency that It Won’t Discriminate“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/20088prs20051005.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Disappointed the Supreme Court Will Not Hear an Appeal in Case Challenging Florida’s Anti-Gay Adoption Law“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12438prs20050110.html); ACLU.org, “Child Welfare League of America Backs ACLU in Challenging Florida Gay Adoption Ban“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12454prs20041209.html).

[33] ACLU.org, “Missouri Judge Rules That Lesbian Can Be Foster Parent“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/24195prs20060217.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Arkansas Supreme Court to Uphold Ruling“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/23094prs20051219.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Argues Challenge to Missouri’s Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/21258prs20051103.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Missouri Judge to Let Lesbian Become Foster Parent“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/19858prs20050721.html). ACLU.org, “Lesbian Challenges Missouri Policy Barring Gay People from Foster Parenting“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12196prs20050502.html); ACLU.org, “Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban Overturned“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12448prs20041229.html); ACLU.org, “Trial Concludes in ACLU Challenge to Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster Care Ban“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12444prs20041220.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Resumes Challenge to Arkansas Anti-Gay Foster Care Policy“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12403prs20041005.html).

[34] ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Child Custody Award For Surviving Lesbian Mom in West Virginia“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12242prs20050617.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges West Virginia High Court Not to Take Four-Year-Old From His Surviving Lesbian Mom“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12433prs20041206.html).

[35] ACLU.org, “Just in Time for Mother’s Day, ACLU Launches Toolkit for LGBT Parents“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/12197prs20050503.html).

[36] ACLU.org, “ACLU Files Federal Lawsuit Against White County, Georgia School District for Illegally Blocking Gay-Straight Alliance Club“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/24284prs20060227.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Florida Warns School Board Not to Deny Students’ Right to Form Gay-Straight Alliances” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/24119prs20060206.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Judge Rules That High Schools Cannot Out Lesbian and Gay Students“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/22068prs20051201.html); ACLU.org, “Following ACLU Lawsuit, Colorado Springs High School Ends Second-Class Status for Gay-Straight Alliance“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/21730prs20051122.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Judge to Reopen Kentucky Gay-Straight Alliance Case“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/12240prs20050706.html). ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Georgia Students’ Gay-Straight Alliance Victory“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/12180prs20050322.html).

[37] ACLU.org, “As a Result of Lawsuit, School Agrees to Allow Publication of Articles on Sexual Orientation“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/21200prs20051104.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Alabama Condemns Proposed Bill that Would Ban State Funds for Lesbian and Gay Books“ (at http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/gen/11527prs20041202.html).

[38] ACLU.org, “ACLU Hails Federal Court Ruling on School Trainings Aimed at Reducing Anti-Gay Harassment” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/24215prs20060218.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Court to Uphold Kentucky School’s Training Aimed at Reducing Anti-Gay Harassment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/23156prs20051220.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Tells Federal Court That Mandatory Anti-Gay Harassment Training Does Not Violate Students’ Freedom of Religion“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/12236prs20050428.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Court to Let Students Join in Kentucky Anti-Gay Harassment Training Case“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/youth/12149prs20050401.html).

[39] ACLU.org, “Law Schools Shouldn’t Be Forced to Accommodate Military Recruiters, Says ACLU“ (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2005/rumsfeldv.fair041152/22304prs20051206.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Expresses Disappointment Over Supreme Court Ruling in Military Recruitment Case“ (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2005/rumsfeldv.fair041152/24377prs20060306.html);

[40] ACLU.org, “ACLU Persuades Utah to Approve Personalized License Plates with Gay-Positive Messages“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/20186prs20050727.html).

[41] ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges New York’s High Court to End Unfairness Against Gay Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24354prs20060303.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Tennessee Files Appeal Over Passage of Anti-Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24349prs20060223.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Promises to Appeal Marriage Case for Same-Sex Couples to New York’s Highest Court“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24175prs20060216.html); ACLU.org, “Oral Arguments Held in Federal Appeals Court: ACLU and Lambda Legal Urge Court to Uphold Prior Ruling Striking Down Extreme Antigay Nebraska Law Banning All Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24136prs20060213.html); ACLU.org, “Six Same-Sex Couples Urge Florida Supreme Court to Strike Initiative Threatening Families of Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24103prs20060208.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Pennsylvania Calls Proposed Constitutional Amendment Anti-Family and Discriminatory“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/24079prs20060124.html); ACLU.org, “Maryland Court Says State Cannot Bar Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/23558prs20060120.html); ACLU.org, “Religious and Civil Rights Groups Support Same-Sex Couples in Legal Battle to Marry“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/23411prs20060110.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Utah Files Friend-of-the-Court Brief in Support of Domestic Partner Benefits for Salt Lake City Employees“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21623prs20051111.html); ACLU.org, “Senate Panel Must Rebuff Discriminatory Amendment to Constitution“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/21213prs20051109.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU, NCLR, and Lambda Legal Urge California Appeals Court to Affirm Decision Ending Unfairness Against Same-Sex Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/parenting/21204prs20051109.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Lambda Legal Urge Federal Appeals Court to Uphold Ruling Striking Down Extreme Nebraska Law Banning All Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21251prs20051101.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Calls on Lawmakers to Reject Discriminatory Marriage Amendment Again“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/21165prs20051020.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges New York Appeals Court to Strike Down Law Barring Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21150prs20051017.html); ACLU.org, “Proponents of Anti-Gay Initiative Concede It Would Ban Civil Unions and Domestic Partnership Laws“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/21139prs20051012.html); ACLU.org, “Six Same-Sex Couples File Challenge to a Florida Anti-Gay Initiative Threatening all Protections for Families of Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/19955prs20050921.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Massachusetts Praises Legislators for Voting Down Discriminatory Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/20044prs20050914.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Maryland Court to Strike Down Law Barring Same-Sex Couples from Marriage Protections“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/19936prs20050830.html); ACLU.org, “Maryland Religious Leaders Join Together to Support Marriage for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/19866prs20050829.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges New York Appeals Court to End Unfairness Against Gay Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12202prs20050519.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Court Strikes Down Nebraska’s Anti-Gay-Union Law Banning Protections for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12201prs20050512.html); ACLU.org, ACLU of Tennessee Files Lawsuit Challenging State Amendment Banning Marriages for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12233prs20050421.html); ACLU-MN.org, “ACLU Applauds California Judge’s Decision Ending Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu-mn.org/16Mar20052.html); ACLU.org, “Massachusetts ACLU and Town Clerks Challenge Governor’s Discriminatory Ban on Marriage Licenses for Non-Resident Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12138prs20050311.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Washington Supreme Court To Uphold Marriage Equality“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12144prs20050308.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Decision by New York Trial Judge Striking Down Laws Banning Same-Sex Couples from Marrying“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12432prs20050204.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Criticizes Reintroduction of Federal Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12431prs20050124.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges California Trial Court to End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples in Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12446prs20041222.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU to Ask the Oregon Supreme Court to Provide Same-Sex Couples With Protections of Marriage“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12443prs20041215.html); ACLU.org, “New York Trial Court Decision Denying Marriage for Same-Sex Couples Advances ACLU Lawsuit to Appeals Court“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12456prs20041207.html); ACLU.org, “New CD Marry Me Supports the ACLU’s Efforts to Win Marriage for Same-Sex Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/gen/relatedinformation_press_releases.html); ACLU.org, “Following Passage of Gay Marriage Bans in 11 States, ACLU Vows to Continue Striving for Equality“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12430prs20041103.html); ACLU.org, “Prominent Legal Scholars Join ACLU Lawsuit Challenging Georgia Marriage Amendment“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12420prs20041020.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Lambda Legal Urge Federal Court To Strike Down Nebraska Law Banning Recognition of Gay Couples“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12417prs20041015.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Disappointed with Arkansas Supreme Court’s Decision on Misleading “Marriage” Ballot Initiative“ (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/relationships/12422prs20041007.html).

[42] ACLU.org, “Civil Rights Groups in New Mexico Denounce High School Contest Soliciting Anti-Gay, Anti-Choice Student Essays” (at http://www.aclu.org/studentsrights/gen/21792prs20051122.html).

[43] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Utah to Join Polygamists in Bigamy Fight“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/frb/16163prs19990716.html).

[44] GETACLU.org, “The ACLU needs to get A CLU” (at http://www.getaclu.org/ ).

[45] ACLU.org, “Federal Court Rules Transgender Discrimination Lawsuit Against Library of Congress Can Proceed” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/transgender/24851prs20060331.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU and Lambda Legal Challenge Law Barring Transgender People Access to Medical Treatment in Prison” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/transgender/23913prs20060124.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Army Veteran Against Library of Congress for Transgender Discrimination” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/transgender/12256prs20050602.html).

[46] ACLU.org, “Georgia County Agrees to Remove Ten Commandments Display from Courthouse” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/20163prs20050719.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Ohio Victorious in Another Ten Commandments Case” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16351prs20040714.html); ACLU.org, “Supreme Court Agrees to Review Two Challenges to Government-Endorsed Ten Commandments Displays” (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2004/13970prs20041012.html); ACLU.org, “Citing Religious Freedom, Appeals Court Bars Government Placement of Ten Commandments Monument in Nebraska Park” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16107prs20040218.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Appeals Court Hears ACLU Argument Against Government Endorsement of Ten Commandments” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16203prs20030407.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Appeals Court Rejects KY’s Ten Commandments Monument as Government-Endorsed Religion” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16153prs20021009.html); ACLU.org, “High Court Again Refuses to Review Ban on Government Endorsement of Ten Commandments” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16175prs20020225.html); ACLU.org, “Acting on Behalf of Concerned Residents and Clergy, ACLU of TN Challenges Posting of Ten Commandments in County Buildings” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16054prs20020129.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Kentucky Files Lawsuit Over Government-Endorsed Ten Commandments Postings in Four Counties” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16045prs20011127.html); ACLU.org, “County Officials in IA Agree to Remove Ten Commandments from Courthouse Grounds” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16126prs20010315.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Montana Settles Lawsuit Over Ten Commandments” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16298prs20001012.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of GA Sues Local Officials Over Ten Commandments Image in County Seal” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/tencomm/16292prs20000515.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Illinois Lauds Officials’ Decision to Remove Religious Postings in Harrisburg Schools” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16168prs19991207.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Action Prompts School Board to Abandon Posting of Ten Commandments” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16109prs19991124.html); ACLU.org, “Commandments Come Down In West Virginia School” (at http://www.aclu.org/studentsrights/religion/12801prs19990827.html).

[47] ACLU-IL.org, “Prominent Chicago Religious Leaders Applaud Court Order Ending Pentagon’s Special Funding for Boy Scout Jamboree” (at http://www.aclu-il.org/news/press/000286.shtml); ACLU.org, “Pentagon Agrees to End Direct Sponsorship of Boy Scout Troops in Response to Religious Discrimination Charge” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/discrim/16382prs20041115.html); ACLU.org, “In Final Chapter of San Diego Park Lease Case, Court Rules Against Boy Scouts on All Issues” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/discrim/12115prs20040414.html http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/discrim/12115prs20040414.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of San Diego Secures Landmark Settlement in Boy Scout Lease Case” (at http://www.aclu.org/lgbt/discrim/11950prs20040108.html).

[48] ACLU.org, “San Diego Ends Nine-Year Effort To Keep Christian Cross in a Public Park” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16058prs19990903.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Appeals Court Upholds ACLU Charge That Cross in Mojave Federal Preserve Violates Constitution” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16225prs20040607.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Sues Federal Government Over Christian Cross in Mojave National Preserve” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/discrim/16319prs20010322.html).

[49] ACLU.org, “School-Sponsored Prayers at VA Military Institute Wrongly Entangle Government and Religion, Court Declares” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16120prs20020124.html); ACLU.org, “Supreme Court Lets Ban on Coerced Prayer at Virginia Military Institute Stand” (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2003/13910prs20040426.html).

[50] ACLU.org, “ACLU Praises Appeals Court Decision Striking Down Pennsylvania’s Mandatory Pledge of Allegiance Law” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16350prs20040819.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Ruling Removing the Phrase “Under God” From Pledge of Allegiance Recited in Public Schools” (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/2003/13914prs20040324.html).

[51] AFA.net, “Judge OKs Controversial “˜In God We Trust’ Poster“ (at http://www.afa.net/journal/february/religiona.asp); see also http://orig.clarionledger.com/news/0104a/12/a2.html.

[52] “ACLU Calls On Providence Police Department To Halt Faith-Based “Prayer” Program” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16310prs20001128.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Decries House Legislation that Earmarks $100 Million For Unproven Faith-Based Drug Treatment Programs” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16078prs20030710.html).

[53] ACLU.org, “ACLU Files Challenge to Religion-Themed Post Office in Connecticut Town” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16343prs20031003.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Sues Over Ohio School District’s Policy on Religious Holidays” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16111prs19990825.html).

[54] ACLU.org, “Ohio Appeals Court Strikes Down Christian State Motto as Unconstitutional” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16291prs20000425.html).

[55] ACLU.org, “Indiana Court Upholds Challenge to House’s Exclusionary Sectarian Prayers” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/22088prs20051130.html).

[56] ACLU.org, “U.S. Supreme Court Asked to Strike Down Virginia’s “˜Minute of Silence’ Law” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16043prs20010831.html).

[57] ACLU.org, “High Court Rejects Sales Tax Appeal on Religious Goods” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16165prs19991012.html).

[58] ACLU.org, “Parents, Educators Denounce Florida Voucher Scheme, Say Program Hurts Public Schools” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16266prs20050606.html); ACLU.org, “Maine Civil Liberties Union Urges High Court to Keep Government Out of Religion Business” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16255prs20050324.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Appeals Court Decision Striking Down Florida School Voucher Program” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/vouchers/16349prs20040816.html); ACLU.org, “High Court Hears Arguments on Ohio Vouchers” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/vouchers/16124prs20020219.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Denounces Voucher, Block Grant Schemes; Says Congress Should Reject Divisive Amendments” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/vouchers/16328prs20010521.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Michigan Celebrates Sound Defeat of Voucher Program” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/vouchers/16309prs20001108.html); ACLU.org, “New ACLU Report Says CA’s Proposed Voucher Program Leaves Neediest Behind” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/vouchers/16297prs20001011.html).

[59] ACLU.org, “ACLU Lawsuit Seeks to End West Virginia Judge’s Courtroom Prayer Sessions” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/discrim/16290prs20000511.html).

[60] ACLU.org, “ACLU Warns Against “Character Cities” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16134prs19990902.html).

[61] ACLU.org, “Five Georgia Residents Sue to Block Extremist City-Sponsored Prayer Breakfast” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16041prs20020103.html).

[62] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Virginia Defends Fredericksburg’s Decision to Ban Sectarian Prayers at Open City Council Meetings” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/frb/24227prs20060216.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of San Diego Challenges Sectarian Prayers at City Council Meetings on Behalf of Resident” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16234prs20040505.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Challenges Sectarian Invocation at San Diego County Board of Supervisors Meetings” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16285prs20000629.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Court Says that Virginia County’s Prayer Policy Violates Religious Freedom Rules” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/discrim/16100prs20031113.html).

[63] ACLU.org, “ACLU Sues PA School District to Stop Official Prayers at Graduation and School Board Meetings” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16269prs20050526.html); ACLU.org, “Louisiana School Board Repeatedly Defied Federal Court Order, Charges ACLU” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16261prs20050405.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Asks Virginia School Boards Not to Open Meetings with Prayer” (at http://www.aclu.org/studentsrights/religion/12795prs19991001.html).

[64] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Rhode Island Sues On Behalf of Town Resident’s Objection to City Hall Religious Display” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16093prs20031222.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Monitoring New Rule Regarding Nativity Scene Display in Iowa Town” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16092prs20031203.html ACLU.org, “ACLU of Montana Challenges County Creche Display” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16139prs19991221.html).

[65] ACLU.org, “The Fish Must Go: Court Rules Missouri Must Remove Religious Symbol from City Logo” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/16114prs19990709.html).

[66] ACLU.org, “Missouri School District Agrees to Stop Distributing Bibles to Students” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16228prs20040603.html).

[67] ACLU.org, “As Graduation Approaches, Colorado Family Asks Court to End School-Sponsored Religious Exercises” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16048prs20020523.html); ACLU.org, “Louisiana Family Seeks ACLU Help in Ending Sponsored Prayers in Public Schools” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16159prs20020517.html); ACLU.org, “ICLU Brings Lawsuit On Behalf of Students Required to Sing Lord’s Prayer at Graduation” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16044prs20020401.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Nebraska Sues Over Graduation Prayer” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16053prs20011129.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU of Illinois Hails Judge’s Decision Blocking School-Sanctioned Prayer at Graduation Ceremony” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16327prs20010517.html); ACLU.org, “Supreme Court Sets Aside Appeals Court Ruling in Jacksonville School Prayer Case” (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16300prs20001002.html).

[68] ACLU.org, “ACLU Supports Parents in Demanding that Coach Stop Leading Prayer Before Football Games“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16307prs20001030.html); ACLU.org, “Warning of Legal Consequences, ACLU Urges South Carolina School to End Prayer Broadcasts“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16301prs20000901.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Hails “˜Total Victory’ for Religious Liberty In High Court’s Rejection of School Stadium Prayers“ (at http://www.aclu.org/scotus/1999/16294prs20000619.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Sues Ohio School District Over Football Team Prayers“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16123prs19990628.html).

[69] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Ohio Demands Schools Stop Teaching Intelligent Design as Science“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/24147prs20060214.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds Decision in “˜Intelligent Design’ Case“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/23144prs20051220.html); ACLU.org, “ACLU Applauds School Board Vote to Remove Evolution Disclaimers From Science Textbooks“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/20126prs20050714.html); ACLU.org, “Federal Judge Orders Georgia School District to Remove Evolution Disclaimers“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16376prs20050113.html); ACLU.org, “Pennsylvania Parents File First-Ever Challenge to “Intelligent Design” Instruction in Public Schools“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16372prs20041214.html); ACLU.org, “Parents Challenge Evolution Disclaimer In Georgia Textbooks“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16381prs20041112.html). ACLU.org, “ACLU Urges Kansas Public Schools to Reject Religion-Based Evolution Teachings in Science Classes“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16121prs19990813.html).

[70] ACLU.org, “In Victory for Religious Liberty, Unanimous Appeals Court Finds LA’s School Prayer Law Unconstitutional“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16155prs20011212.html).

[71] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Nebraska Files Complaint Against School Official Who Lead Prayers at Assembly“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16320prs20010321.html); ACLU.org, “In Long-Awaited Victory, High Court Vacates Alabama Decision Allowing Public School Prayer“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/schools/16286prs20000626.html).

[72] ACLU.org, “ACLU of Ohio Demands Cancellation of Government-Sponsored “˜Faith-Based’ Concert“ (at http://www.aclu.org/religion/govtfunding/16348prs20040816.html).

[73] ACLU.org, “Following ACLU Action, Rhode Island Public Libraries Agree to Give Patrons Increased Access to Internet“ (at http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/censorship/20153prs20051007.html).

[74] ACLU.org, “ACLU Challenges Patriot Act Provision Used to Exclude Prominent Swiss Scholar from the United States“ (at http://www.aclu.org/safefree/general/23908prs20060125.html); ACLU.org, “U.S. Scholars and Writers Say Government Should End Censorship at the Border“ (at http://www.aclu.org/safefree/general/23908prs20060125.html).

[75] ACLU.org, “After Latest Data Release Controversy, ACLU Urges Census Bureau to Create Privacy Advisory Committee“ (at http://www.aclu.org/privacy/spying/15739prs20040805.html); ACLU.org, “Request Follows Report that Bureau Shared Data on People of Arab Descent With Homeland Security Officials” (at http://www.aclu.org/privacy/spying/15739prs20040805.html).

[76] USAToday.com, “ACLU: FBI ruse used in Guantanamo abuse (at http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-12-21-gitmo-probe_x.htm).

[77] Washingtonpost.com, “ACLU Challenges Ky. Funeral Protest Law” (at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/01/AR2006
050101936.html
).

[78] Chicago Tribune, “Sex Offenders Sue Over City’s Ban” (at http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0606010152jun01,
1,5132453.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
); ACLU Indiana, “Legal Docket: Doe v. City of Plainfield“ (at http://www.iclu.org/subpage.asp?p=32).

[79] Amarillo Globe-News, “Court of appeals dismisses school prayer case” (at www.amarillo.com/stories/053100/tex_LD0634.shtml).


Larry Cirignano Triumphs Over ACLU Bullying and Phony Charges

October 26, 2007

From Jay and stoptheaclu.com.

“In a nutshell, here is what happened. VoteOnMarriage.org had scheduled a pro-marriage rally for Saturday, December 16, 2006 in front of Worcester City Hall. The organization had all the proper permits to do so. However, homosexual activists, including Board Member of the ACLU Sarah Loy, decided that free speech is only a one-way street, and came to stop them. When the homosexual activists showed up to disrupt without any proper permits, the police told them that they had to leave that area, and could demonstrate on the nearby sidewalk. The activists later pushed their way back into the center of the crowd where they continued to heckle the crowd. After what the jury found to be her tripping and falling, Sarah Loy decided to make up phony charges and accuse Larry Cirignano of pushing her down following it up with a civil rights suit.

The event via Mass Resistance:

According to six eyewitnesses we spoke to, Sarah Loy walked through the crowd, stood almost directly in front of the podium (see photo at top of page), held up a pro-homosexual marriage sign, and began yelling at the rally attendees, disrupting the event. Larry Cirignano looked around and could not see any police. Holding his clipboard in one hand, he walked up to Loy and led her away from the podium and towards the crowd, then turned around and came back. Some time later, Loy was laying on the ground, in the midst of the crowd, screaming.

Lots of background and video at Mass Resistance

Justice serves and its a defeat for the ACLU.

A jury of three men and three women acquitted Catholic activist Larry Cirignano of the remaining assault and battery charges stemming from a pro-marriage rally last December. The civil rights charges against him had already been dropped by Judge David Despotopulos last week in the face of overwhelming evidence in Larry’s favor.

This represents a huge victory not only for the pro-family movement, but for justice in America. The charges against Larry clearly represented the homosexual movement – and ACLU – attempting to bully and punish an innocent individual who disagreed with them. It was also a shameful and odious action by the City of Worcester and District Attorney Joseph Early, Jr. to placate the powerful lobby that has given much money and help to the Democratic Party.

But when it was finally examined in a courtroom with witnesses, cross-examination, and video, the entire case against Larry Cirignano collapsed.”


Christmas War Underway ─ Nativity Battle Rages

October 8, 2007

From Thomasmore.org.

“Last winter, cowed by threats from the ACLU, the Berkley City Council in Michigan voted to remove a decades-old Nativity display from city property. The council’s controversial action ignored the plea from many of this small town’s citizens to keep the display.

As a result, a grassroots effort “Berkley Citizens Vote YES to Christmas Holiday Display,” led by resident Georgia Halloran mounted a successful petition drive to overrule the City Council’s vote. Enough signatures were gathered to place a proposed Charter Amendment on the November 6, 2007 general election ballot.

A ‘yes’ vote on the ballot question will require the city to display a nativity scene from the Monday following Thanksgiving through January 6.

Halloran, as spokesperson for the group commented, “Christmas is a national holiday. And we’re not going to let ACLU threats dictate how we publicly celebrate it.”

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offered to represent the city without charge should it be sued by the ACLU, provided legal assistance to Halloran’s group.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, commented: “Despite all of their public rationalizations of why the Nativity should be removed from city property, it is clear the city council acted out of fear of an ACLU lawsuit. The council made the wrong decision, and Berkley citizens are working within the political system to correct that wrong.”

The Charter Amendment requires that the Christmas holiday display comply with governing law and allows the display to be modeled after the display appearing in nearby Clawson, Michigan—a holiday display that includes a nativity scene and that was ruled constitutional by the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, the federal court that governs Michigan.

For further information about the petition drive, you may contact “Berkley Citizens Vote YES to Christmas Holiday Display,” at 248-224-0361, or visit their website at: www.berkleyvoteyes.com.

The Law Center already has several Nativity scene cases that it is working around the country. The war on Christmas is not over. As long as a group like the ACLU exists, the war will continue. It is through your prayers and generosity that we are able to successfully prosecute this assault on our Christian heritage.

Furthermore, the Law Center asks that you be proactive in your community. If you do not have a crèche in your town or city, ask for permission to do so. If the government denies your request, contact the Law Center.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.”


Fighting the ACLU for America’s Heritage – One Case at a Time

October 5, 2007

From Familysecuritymatters.org.

“Imagine a country where the beliefs and philosophies of its founders had to be camouflaged in order to appease latecomers who, rather than accept the fundamentals of the country to which they emigrated, challenged each and every tenet because they found it “offensive.”

Welcome to America.

Back on June 1, 2004, Los Angeles County decided to remove a small cross from the County’s official seal.  The decision was reached as a direct result of the ACLU, who sent an intimidating letter demanding the removal of the cross.  Why?  Because it is a Christian symbol.

This decision set off a firestorm of protest, resulting in a petition filed with the U.S. Supreme Court by the Thomas More Law Center of Ann Arbor, Michigan, asking the high court to review their challenge to the Los Angeles County’s policy decision to remove a small cross from the County’s official seal because it is a Christian symbol. The cross had been a part of the official seal since 1957.

For the record, the first Europeans to settle in southern California were Spanish missionaries. Los Angeles means “the angels” in Spanish, meaning Los Angeles is the “city of angels.”

According to Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, “This is another example of the ACLU’s plan to purge every symbol of Christianity from the public square. That organization seems to have a particular aversion to crosses. The cross on the LA seal merely represented the history and heritage of LA County; it was not placed on the seal to promote Christianity. Nevertheless, by their unnecessary removal of the cross, the LA County Board of Supervisors chose to offend Christians, rather than to fight the ACLU.”

The lawsuit was brought on behalf of Mr. Ernesto Vasquez, a County employee, who objected to the removal of the cross because it showed hostility towards Christians. According to the lawsuit, LA County’s official act ordering the removal of the cross “conveyed an impermissible state-sponsored message of disapproval of, and hostility toward, Christianity in violation of the Establishment Clause.”

Robert Muise, the attorney handling the case, commented, “This case will provide the court with the opportunity to abandon its much maligned Establishment Clause jurisprudence in favor of a standard that is consistent with our Nation’s religious history.”  What has that jurisprudence been?  According to firstamendmentcenter.org, “Although the Court’s interpretation of the establishment clause is in flux, it is likely that for the foreseeable future a majority of the judges will continue to view government neutrality toward religion as the guiding principle.  Neutrality means not favoring one religion over another, not favoring religion over non-religion and vice versa.”

Unfortunately, this is what it’s come down to: having to go to court just to keep our nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage from being swept under the rug or, put another way, to keep the ACLU from favoring non-religion over religion, simply because a small minority is discomfited by the knowledge of that important legacy. There are those who will not stop until the dissolution of all the elements that make our great country worth defending is complete.

And if our heritage – from which the sheer brilliance of our culture emerged, providing greater liberties and opportunities for its citizens than virtually all other countries on earth – keeps getting broken up into little pieces, will anyone want to fight for it any longer?”

To read more click here.


Va.’s Ex-ACLU Chief Gets 7 Years for Child Porn

September 7, 2007

From Bill Brubaker and the Washington Post.

“A former Arlington County youth sports coach and civil rights lawyer who once headed Virginia’s American Civil Liberties Union chapter was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for buying child pornography that prosecutors labeled sadistic and masochistic.

Charles Rust-Tierney, 51, pleaded guilty in June to downloading hundreds of pornographic images of children as young as 4. Authorities said Rust-Tierney used a computer in his 11-year-old son’s bedroom to view the files, which included a six-minute video that depicted sexual torture of children, set to a song by the rock band Nine Inch Nails.”

To read more click here.


Prayer before school board meetings survives ACLU attack!

July 26, 2007

Some great news today!!

From Free Market.

“The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has just ruled en banc, overturning a decision below that would have banned prayers at all school board meetings across Louisiana , Mississippi and Texas .   In an 8-7 ruling, a 15 judge panel rejected an ACLU attack, claiming the parents of the school children suing had no grounds for the case. “The Supreme Court has held for decades that deliberative bodies, school boards, city councils, and state legislatures are permitted to open meetings with prayers,” said Free Market attorney, Hiram Sasser.  “Thankfully the court did not stray from binding U.S. Supreme Court precedent.”


Reading, Writing, and Ramadan

July 26, 2007

From the Family Research Council.

“While some American schools are rushing to ban “Christmas” parties and Bible clubs, others are going out of their way to promote prayer in schools. That is, if the prayers are to Allah. In a world where the ACLU is suing Christian students faster than you can say “10 Commandments,” it may surprise some that there’s a new movement of religious tolerance afoot. Unfortunately, as USA Today points out, this type of religious expression seems to be a one-way street open only to Muslims. As part of this wave of preferential treatment, at least 17 universities have made special arrangements to build foot baths and prayer rooms for Islamic students. In San Diego, an elementary school created an extra recess for Muslim children to pray. The University of Michigan has gone so far as to provide facilities for Islamic students to wash their feet before prayer–all at taxpayer expense! In California, another school hosts a curriculum called “Becoming a Muslim” as part of world history class. Yet when the families of these seventh graders sued the school for violating the ban on religious establishment, they lost. Sadly, this is all part of broader paranoia in America, in which people are more concerned about offending someone than they are about violating the law. This same fear is one of the driving elements in the “hate crimes” debate. ACLU’s silence on the matter exposes their anti-Christian agenda. The group, which is all too willing to sue when a Christian student prays silently, seems completely unfazed when another public school uses taxpayer dollars to ensure that Muslims can pray openly on school time during class. America may be the Mecca of diversity, but when it comes to certain schools promoting true religious tolerance, one thing’s become clear–the Christian faith need not apply.”


The ACLU: Enemy of America and Christianity

July 21, 2007

From Rabbi Aryeh Spero and Human Events.

“For the past forty years the ACLU has used every legal machination to make the display of Christmas trees illegal if placed in a public institution or on property where there is even the remotest connection to a tax dollar. They’ve bludgeoned America with their claim that such displays violate the separation of church and state. The display of the Ten Commandments? Illegal, they say. Prayer in school? Prohibited, they charge. The mere mention of God at a graduation ceremony — grounds for a law suit. The display of a Menorah — the next morning the ACLU is at the court steps already litigating.

How strict are they in their interpretation of separation of church and state? In Pittsburgh they went so far as to demand that a municipal parking lot be off limits to those parking there to visit a local Christmas display at a nearby church.”

To read more click here.


ACLU Opposes Brownback Content Amendments

July 13, 2007

No surprise – the ACLU is now getting in the way of Senator Brownback’s efforts to shield our children from indecency on tv.  From Broadcast Newsroom.

“The American Civil Liberties Union has written the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee asking them to oppose a move by Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) to strengthen the FCC’s profanity-regulation powers and give it the ability to regulate violence.”

To read more click here.


Mosque and State: Taxpayer Dollars, Time Devoted to Islam in Schools

July 11, 2007

From Fred Lucas and CNSNews.

“Decisions by public schools and colleges to provide special prayer times or to make other allowances for Muslim students have raised eyebrows — but not all groups that oppose expressions of religion in the public domain are speaking out.

Some religious liberty advocates — who have long battled efforts to purge government of religious displays, Bible readings and graduation prayers — regard the Muslim-accomodation trend as an opportunity that should be seized.

In one instance, the University of Michigan is preparing to spend $25,000 to install two footbaths at its Dearborn campus to accommodate Muslim students wanting to wash their feet before prayers.

Muslims initially were willing to raise the money to cover the cost, but the Michigan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union — often a foe of faith in the public square — said there was no constitutional reason why the university could not fund the project.”