Latest From ACLU of Washington

The latest content and updates from the ACLU of Washington website.

New Law Is Historic Step in Reforming Marijuana Policies

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Passed by Washington’s voters with an 11-point margin, Initiative 502 went into effect on December 6. The measure is an historic step in reforming our state’s marijuana policies and its criminal justice system. Adults no longer are subject to arrest for possessing small amounts of marijuana for personal use under state law.
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Family Members of Murder Victims Speak Out Against Death Penalty

News Release, Published: 
Friday, November 30, 2012
At a press conference in the State Capitol, family members of murder victims talked about why the death penalty does not meet their needs. They urged passage of legislation to replace the death penalty in Washington with life in prison without parole.
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Data breach: Unfortunate, but not unforseeable

Published: 
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Our state’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) recently suffered a data breach. It appears that the private prescription information of at least 34 patients was accessed by an unauthorized person for unknown reasons. Perhaps identity theft is involved, but there could be other motives, including identifying potential people to steal drugs from, simple snooping, or even blackmail. At a minimum, the privacy of these patients has been invaded.
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My Thanks and My Hopes

Published: 
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Russell delivered these remarks when he accepted the ACLU-WA’s Youth Activist Award for 2012 at the Bill of Rights Celebration Dinner on Nov. 10.
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Surprise Proposal at Bill of Rights Celebration Dinner brings tears!

Published: 
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The Bill of Rights Dinner on Saturday was such a celebration!  I have to tell you a story about it.
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Close vote in California indicates shift away from capital punishment

Published: 
Thursday, November 8, 2012
California voters narrowly rejected Proposition 34, a ballot measure to replace the death penalty with a sentence of life without parole. Although a majority of voters chose to retain the death penalty, the fact that close to half the voters supported repeal represents a dramatic shift away from capital punishment.
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Marriage Licenses Issued for Same-Sex Couples Beginning December 6

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
On December 6th, one month after Washington voters approved the state’s marriage equality law, same-sex couples in Washington state will be able to apply for marriage licenses.  Washingtonians backed Referendum 74 on Election Day by a margin of 7.4 points.
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Thanks so much!

Published: 
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The ACLU of Washington would like to thank all of the amazing volunteers who have made the campaign to Approve Referendum 74 one of the largest efforts our state has ever seen.
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ACLU-WA Applauds Passage of I-502

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
The ACLU of Washington hails the passage of Initiative 502, which legalizes, taxes, and regulates small quantities of marijuana for adults age 21 and older. We look forward to working with state and federal officials and New Approach Washington sponsors to ensure the law is fully and fairly implemented.  
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