A new television series about civil liberties issues will potentially grow by 85 million viewers when The ACLU Freedom Files premieres on Court TV at 11 am CT on February 11th with a new episode about religious freedom. Already available on satellite television via Link TV, the Freedom Files’ debut on cable TV greatly expands the series’ reach.

Following the Religious Freedom premiere, new episodes on civil liberties issues including voting rights, racial profiling and drug policy will air on the second Saturday of the month at noon, as part of Court TV’s “In Pursuit of Justice� programming. The series of ten 30-minute episodes features well-known actors and comedians, along with real ACLU clients and the attorneys who represent them.

Additionally, Freedom Files topics and guests will be featured in advance of each episode on Catherine Crier Live, which airs on Court TV weeknights at 5:00 p.m. ET/PT. On Thursday, Feb. 9, ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero will appear on Catherine Crier Live to discuss the religious freedom episode.

The ACLU Freedom Files: Religious Freedom tells the stories of ordinary people whose fundamental right to practice their beliefs was challenged. Viewers will be introduced to parents and teachers in Dover, Pennsylvania, who defeated a bid to introduce intelligent design into science classrooms; a high school valedictorian and Christian who combated censorship; and a mother whose home was firebombed because she didn’t want one religion favored over another in her son’s school, among others.

“Religious freedom is one of the most fundamental rights we have in this country,� said Romero. “Freedom Files goes beyond the rhetoric and shows how ordinary Americans are affected when the government interferes with our right to practice our beliefs. We hope this show begins a dialogue in communities across the country on how we can all work to keep religious liberty alive and well in America.�

The ACLU Freedom Files, which was created by award-winning producer/director Robert Greenwald (Outfoxed, Unconstitutional) and the ACLU, is produced and directed by Jeremy Kagan. In addition to Court TV and Link TV, The ACLU Freedom Files can be seen on college television network Zilo TV and at www.aclu.tv, where past episodes are streamed for free. DVD copies of the shows can also be purchased on the Web site.

Viewers interested in learning more about the series and the issues can visit www.aclu.tv.