|
Home » E-newsletter » Archives » August 31, 2004
August 31, 2004 ACLU of Illinois E-News 08.15.04 Big Win for Reproductive Freedom In an important victory for reproductive freedom in our nation, a federal district court judge in New York last week became the second federal jurist to strike down the so-called "Partial Birth Abortion Ban of 2003." The New York case was brought by lawyers for the ACLU on behalf of the National Abortion Federation. Lorie Chaiten, Director of the Reproductive Rigths Project of the ACLU of Illinois, was a member of the legal team for this important case. To read more about the judge's decision click http://www.aclu.org/ReproductiveRights/ReproductiveRights.cfm?ID=16317&c=148. ACLU, Other Groups Ask Court to Force Homeland Security Department to Turn Over Public Data A coalition of civil liberties and immigrant rights groups from Illinois have been forced into court, asking a federal judge to require the Homeland Security Department to end nearly a year of "stonewalling" and divulge information about troubling and discriminatory immigration enforcement activities in the state since the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001. The lawsuit -- filed on August 17th -- seeks information sought for more than a year through the Freedom of Information Act. To read more about the lawsuit and the information being sought by the ACLU, click http://www.aclu-il.org/news/press/000201.shtml. Legal Director Harvey Grossman to be Recognized by John Howard Association The John Howard Association -- an Illinois-based group committed to corrections' reform and to monitoring conditions in confinement across the State -- have selected ACLU of Illinois Legal Director Harvey Grossman as recipient of its 2004 James Zacharias Award. The award, named for a long-time ACLU of Illinois activist and supporter of the John Howard Association, recognizes Harvey's "tenacity, intelligence and concern for humanity to the work of justice system reform." ACLU of Illinois members are invited to attend the awards dinner on Thursday, September 9th at the Hotel InterContinental in Chicago. To learn more, contact the John Howard Association at 312/782-1091. Community Discussion on Marriage Equality set for Peoria on Tuesday, September 14th The ACLU of Illinois in conjunction with Lambda Legal and Equality Illinois is launching a series of programs designed to make clear the impact that marriage discrimination has upon our friends, our family members and our neighbors. Each program will feature local experts and gay male and lesbian couples describing their experiences and views about marriage equality and the real impact that discrimination has had upon their lives. The first event is scheduled for Peoria, Illinois, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14th, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Peoria Public Library downtown. The panel will feature Professor Emily Gill of Bradley University, Jody Poultney, a social worker with the Babyfold, the Reverend Michael Brown and gay couples from the Peoria area struggling to raise a family and confront daily issues without the governmental benefits provided by marriage laws in the State of Illinois and across the nation. Admission is free; reservations are requested. If you would like to attend, please email ACLUofIllinois@aclu-il.org. |
|
