Headlines
May 16, 2012
ACLU Program Encourages Applications for Restoration of Voting Rights in Time for November Elections
Richmond, VA – Taking advantage of recent announcements from the governor that he will expedite restoration applications to enable former felons to vote in the November elections, the ACLU of Virginia has launched a program to encourage and assist individuals with the restoration of their voting rights. The program begins with advertisements in today’s Voice newspaper in the Richmond area, and tomorrow’s Voice newspaper in Hampton Roads. Tomorrow’s Richmond Free Press will run a large format version of the ad. read more »
May 15, 2012
ACLU Excoriates House of Delegates for Rejection of Judicial Candidate Based on Sexual Orientation
Richmond, VA – The ACLU of Virginia today issued a statement criticizing members of the House of Delegates’ for their refusal to appoint Tracy Thorne-Begland as a Richmond General District Court judge because he is openly gay. After receiving endorsements from the courts of justice committees in both the House of Delegates and the Senate, Thorne-Begland, who is currently chief deputy commonwealth's attorney for the City of Richmond, appeared to have strong bipartisan support throughout the legislature. According to news accounts, however, last minute lobbying from the Family Foundation and Del. Robert G. Marshall, who expressed concerns that Thorne-Begland’s sexual orientation would influence his judicial decisions, turned the tide. read more »
May 14, 2012
Lawsuit Challenges Residency Restrictions on Petition Circulators for Presidential Candidates
Richmond, VA – The ACLU Voting Rights Project and the ACLU of Virginia today filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Virginia law that imposes a state residency requirement on persons who circulate ballot petitions for presidential candidates who are not members of major political parties. “Circulating petitions for candidates is at the core of our constitutionally protected right to free speech," said Katie O'Connor, staff attorney with the ACLU Voting Rights Project in Atlanta. "By limiting the right to circulate petitions, Virginia's law infringes on the First Amendment right of political parties, petition circulators, candidates and Virginia voters." The ACLU represents the Libertarian Party of Virginia and Darryl Bonner, a Pennsylvania resident who often circulates petitions on behalf of Libertarian Party candidates in other states. Each asserts that the restrictions violate the First Amendment right of free speech and association. read more »
May 07, 2012
Judge Orders Mediation in Legal Challenge to Display of Ten Commandments in Giles County Schools
Roanoke, VA – Rather than handing down a decision in the ACLU case challenging a Giles County policy that directs public schools to display the Ten Commandments, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Urbanski today sent the case to mediation. Using unexpected reasoning, Urbanski suggested that the plaintiffs in the case and Giles County officials might be able to agree on allowing the displays to continue with an abridged version of the Ten Commandments in which the four commandments that contain explicitly religious directives are omitted. read more »
May 07, 2012
Governor’s Public Support for Reform of Felon Disenfranchisement Law Praised, But ACLU Urges Action
Richmond, VA – The ACLU of Virginia praised Governor Bob McDonnell for recent comments favoring reform of Virginia’s felon disenfranchisement law, but says he is wrong to wait for the General Assembly to act. “Governor McDonnell continues to send out the most positive messages on restoration of voting rights of any Virginia governor in recent memory, and he should be praised for streamlining the restoration process,” said ACLU of Virginia Executive Director Kent Willis. “But he, not the General Assembly, has the authority to initiate immediate reforms.” read more »
May 04, 2012
Public Citizen and ACLU Say Florida Plastic Surgeon Should Not Be Able to Unmask Critics
Henrico County, VA – Online critics have a free speech right to anonymously comment on the work of a Florida plastic surgeon, according to a legal motion filed today in Henrico County Circuit Court. Filed by Public Citizen and the ACLU of Virginia, the motion claims that a subpoena to compel internet provider Comcast to release the name of an online commenter should be quashed. read more »
Blog
Privatizing Civil Commitment Unwise
(05/16/2012) The Washington Times recently reported that Virginia is considering privatizing its only facility housing individuals civilly committed for sexual offenses. Discussion of privatizing state functions and facilities often comes from a desire to cut costs, particularly in tough economic times. But is privatizing a facility intended to rehabilitate sex offenders a good idea? read more »
President Takes Us One Step Closer to Marriage Equality
(05/09/2012) President Obama’s announcement today that he supports same sex marriage is causing a media sensation. Yet, most of us have felt that, in his heart, he supported marriage equality all along. read more »
ACLU and Delegate Marshall Emblematic of NDAA Opposition
(05/02/2012) The ACLU of Virginia and Del. Bob Marshall may be on opposite sides on most issues. But we both know when we’re on the same side, and when we are we have no qualms about working with each other to accomplish our mutual goal. It’s simply a matter of a wise politician working with a wise advocacy group. read more »
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