Latest From ACLU of Washington

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

Libraries, the Internet, and the Law: Adults Must Have Unfiltered Access

News Release, Published: 
Monday, January 11, 2010
Background on the effect of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) on public computer access at libraries.
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ACLU of Washington Urges Open Internet Access in AT&T and Comcast Merger

News Release, Published: 
Monday, January 11, 2010
As an organization dedicated to fostering free speech, the open exchange of ideas, and access to information, the American Civil Liberties Union urges you to consider closely the ways in which the merger of AT&T and Comcast could limit these liberties. There is a danger that if cable becomes the dominant provider of Internet connections, the Internet will come under the private control of companies that are unrestrained by competition or regulation.
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Watada Can't Be Retried on Three Counts

News Release, Published: 
Monday, January 11, 2010
On Oct.23, 2008, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle ruled that to retry Lt. Watada for court martial on three of the counts would violate his constitutional protect against being tried twice for the same crime; included was the count of attending a press conference. The judge also ruled that it would be up to a military court to determine whether Lt. Watada could be retried on two other counts involving alleged conduct unbecoming an officer.
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Lawsuit Challenges Unlawful Arrests and Restrictions at Port of Tacoma Protests

News Release, Published: 
Friday, January 8, 2010
Anti-war activists are pursuing a lawsuit challenging police actions that violated their rights at demonstrations at the Port of Tacoma: unlawful arrests, unconstitutional restrictions, unreasonable force, and unauthorized surveillance, all designed to discourage and prevent peaceful protest.
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Puyallup Amends Ordinance to Protect Religious Freedom

News Release, Published: 
Friday, January 8, 2010
In response to an ACLU of Washington lawsuit, the Puyallup City Council amended its solicitation ordinance to protect the rights of a religious organization to spread its message. The ACLU had filed suit on behalf of United States Mission challenging city restrictions that prevented the organization from carrying out its mission of preaching the "Social Gospel."
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Racist Comments by Jurors Undermined Right to Fair Trial

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Jurors’ derogatory comments about the Japanese ethnicity of an attorney indicated racial bias that undermined a man’s right to a fair trial. The ACLU-WA is urging the Washington Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court ruling that ordered a new trial.
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Travel Without Tracking: Employer Access to ORCA Info Restricted

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 7, 2010
After months of advocacy, the ACLU scored another win for privacy, this time with a new regional transit card. As with the Enhanced Driver’s License, we worked to limit the potential for tracking and monitoring of individuals without their knowledge.
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Ruling Aims to Ensure Jury Selection Is Free of Racial Discrimination

News Release, Published: 
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that the government must provide a race-neutral explanation whenever the last minority member is struck from a jury panel. The ACLU-WA had urged the court to adopt such a bright line rule.
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ACLU-WA Opposes Border Patrol's "Constitution-Free Zone"

News Release, Published: 
Monday, December 14, 2009
ACLU of WA objecting to Border Patrol’s practice of stopping all cars within 100 miles of international border and questioning passengers about their nationality.
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