Free Speech News

Invoking Right of Free Expression, ACLU Demands that Manitou Springs Dismiss Criminal Charges Filed Against Texas Musician Under Unconstitutional Ordinance Forbidding 'Panhandling'

suzanne_ito — 2009-11-06T14:36:00-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: media@aclu.org

In a letter sent today to the City of Manitou Springs prosecuting attorney, the ACLU of Colorado relied on the constitutional right of free expression in demanding that the city dismiss criminal charges filed against a Texas musician accused of violating an unconstitutional city ordinance forbidding "panhandling."

Court Upholds Right Of Scientists And Patients To Challenge Gene Patents

Jessica Monaco — 2009-11-02T00:00:00-05:00

ACLU And PUBPAT Lawsuit Challenging Patents On Breast Cancer Genes Can Go Forward

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

NEW YORK – A federal district court ruled today that patients and scientists can challenge patents on human genes in court, allowing a lawsuit challenging patents on two human genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer to move forward.

Judiciary Committee Reviews Predatory Marketing Law Following Constitutional Challenge

Jessica Monaco — 2009-10-15T00:00:00-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: media@aclu.org

Supreme Court Hears ACLU Case Involving Latin Cross War Memorial In Mojave Desert

pbradshaw — 2009-10-07T00:00:00-05:00

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court heard arguments today in an American Civil Liberties Union case addressing whether Congress' transfer to private owners of a small parcel of land with a Latin cross on it in the Mojave National Preserve remedies the Establishment Clause violation found by the lower courts. The ACLU argued that transferring the land – with a cross on it designated by Congress as a national memorial – to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) does not cure the government's unconstitutional endorsement of one religion over another.

ACLU Wins Free Speech Victory: Court Declares City of Englewood's Sign Code Unconstitutional

Jessica Monaco — 2009-10-01T00:00:00-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: media@aclu.org

Obama Administration Seeks To Gut Reporters’ Shield Legislation

amanda_simon — 2009-10-01T00:00:00-05:00

WASHINGTON – According to a report in the New York Times today, the Obama administration has presented a proposal to Congress regarding legislative efforts to secure a federal reporters’ shield bill. The administration reportedly will oppose any legislation that would protect journalists from being thrown in prison for refusing to reveal confidential national security sources. The proposal reportedly claims that the administration could decide what stories would cause “significant” damage to national security and, in some cases, have courts defer to the administration’s assertions.

Lawsuit Challenges Unlawful Arrests and Restrictions by Tacoma Police at Port of Tacoma Demonstrations

Jessica Monaco — 2009-09-24T00:00:00-05:00

Suit Says Police Actions Aimed to Prevent Peaceful Protest

FCC Proposes Net Neutrality Rules

amanda_simon — 2009-09-22T00:00:00-05:00

WASHINGTON – On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed expanded “net neutrality” guidelines that would require Internet service providers to treat all content and applications equally, regardless of their origin or messaging. The American Civil Liberties Union strongly supports these principles put forth by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, which would offer much needed First Amendment protections. The FCC is also calling on operators to make their management practices transparent to users, offering greater consumer protections.

ACLU Appeals Ruling That FBI Agents Who Attacked Journalists Can't Be Held Responsible

pbradshaw — 2009-09-10T00:00:00-05:00

SAN JUAN, PR – The American Civil Liberties Union today filed an appeal of a federal court ruling that found that, even though there was enough evidence to prove that FBI agents violated the Fourth Amendment rights of journalists by attacking them unprovoked, the agents who committed the attack could not be held responsible for their actions.

ACLU Petitions Court for Release of Richard Hatch

pbradshaw — 2009-09-09T00:00:00-05:00

BOSTON -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts today filed a habeas corpus petition asking a federal court to release Richard Hatch from jail in Barnstable County. Mr. Hatch gained notoriety for having won the first season of the television show "Survivor," and for the legal battle regarding his taxes that ensued.