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Congress Cannot Grant Wholesale Immunity to Telecoms (10/17/2008)
CHICAGO - Congress and the Bush White House overstepped their constitutional authority and violated the rights of millions of customers when they passed and approved legislation granting sweeping immunity to telecoms that collaborated in illegal spying. That assertion is contained in a court filing today by three California affiliates and the Illinois affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, along with other interested parties in cases consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The ACLU lawsuits filed on behalf of dozens of plaintiffs - including renowned Chicago journalist Studs Terkel, former California Congressman Tom Campbell, journalist Robert Scheer and actor Richard Belzer - challenge the unlawful collaboration of major telecommunications' companies - including AT&T - with the Bush Administration's warrantless dragnet surveillance of electronic communications and records.

Chicago Woman Challenges Blatant Discrimination: Denied Access to Homeless Shelter Because She is a Lesbian (05/21/2007)
CHICAGO – A Chicago woman denied access to a City-funded homeless shelter on a cold November evening because she is a lesbian is challenging the blatant discrimination she experienced. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today announced the filing of complaints with the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations and the State of Illinois Department of Human Rights on behalf of Michelle Wang, a 27-year-old woman denied space at New Life Shelter after she told a staffer at that shelter she is a lesbian. Only intervention by a thoughtful, concerned Chicago city employee prevented Ms. Wang from spending another night on the streets.

ACLU Announces Multi-State Action Calling on Government to Fix Medical Inaccuracies in Federally Funded Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Curricula (05/09/2007)
NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union today announced a multi-state action calling on the federal government to fix medical inaccuracies in federally funded abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula. Eleven ACLU affiliates sent letters to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alerting the agency to problematic curricula in their states and asking HHS to take steps to remedy the situation.

Federal Judge Blocks Effort to Revive Dormant Illinois Law Restricting Teenagers' Access to Abortion (02/06/2007)
CHICAGO, IL - U.S. District Court Judge David Coar today rebuffed an effort by the Illinois Attorney General's office to lift a 1996 injunction barring enforcement of the Illinois Parental Notice Act, which restricts teenagers' access to abortion. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois welcomed the ruling.

U.S. Citizen Asks Federal Court to Insure Safe Passage For His Family Back from Canada (12/21/2006)
CHICAGO - The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked a federal judge to help ensure a safe, uneventful trip across the U.S.-Canadian border for a suburban Chicago father and U.S. citizen when he, his wife and young children travel next week.

ACLU of Illinois Responds to Ruling in Terkel v. AT&T (07/25/2006)
CHICAGO, IL -- U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly today granted a motion by the United States Department of Justice to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois on behalf of Chicago author Studs Terkel and other prominent Chicagoans challenging the actions of telephone giant AT&T in divulging the telephone records of its customers to the federal government without lawful authorization. The court agreed with the government’s argument that the need to protect “state secrets” necessitated dismissing the lawsuit.

Government Cannot Shirk Accountability for Illegal Surveillance by Claiming State Secrets, ACLU Tells Chicago Judge (07/13/2006)
CHICAGO -- In a rare oral argument, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked a federal court judge in Chicago to block the government's effort to shield telephone giant AT&T from accountability for sharing the telephone records of subscribers with the National Security Agency without lawful authorization. The ACLU alleges that AT&T violated the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (EPCA) by providing the government with records of customers across Illinois.

Citizens Call on Federal Government to Fix Dysfunctional Screening System Responsible for Detentions and Harassment on Re-Entry to the United States (06/19/2006)
CHICAGO -- Nine American citizens from across the country today joined together in an effort to force the federal government to implement changes to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) and the policies of Customs and Border Protection that will ensure innocent Americans are not subjected to humiliating and unnecessary detentions and harassment by federal officials when they re-enter the United States.

Author Studs Terkel, Other Prominent Chicagoans Join in Challenge to AT&T Sharing of Telephone Records with the National Security Agency (05/22/2006)
CHICAGO – Celebrated Chicago author Studs Terkel and prominent leaders in the medical, legal, political and faith communities today filed a federal lawsuit charging that telephone giant AT&T violated their privacy by secretly sharing the telephone records of millions of Americans with the National Security Agency. The secret program was revealed in a May 11, 2006 article in USA Today.

Prominent Chicago Religious Leaders Ask Federal Appellate Court to Protect Government Neutrality in Religion and End Pentagon's Extraordinary Funding for Boy Scout Jamboree (04/05/2006)
CHICAGO - Two well-known Chicago religious leaders have asked a federal appellate court in Chicago to uphold the basic constitutional principle of government neutrality between religious groups and secular groups and bar the Pentagon from the extraordinary spending of millions of dollars to support future Boy Scout Jamborees (the only youth organization event so funded by the Pentagon). The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is hearing arguments on Thursday April 6 in Winkler v. Rumsfeld, a case brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.

ACLU and National Abortion Federation Call On U.S. Supreme Court to Hold Women’s Health Paramount as Court Agrees to Review Federal Abortion Ban Ruling (02/21/2006)
WASHINGTON - The National Abortion Federation (NAF) and the American Civil Liberties Union today called on the U.S. Supreme Court to hold women’s health paramount as the Court agreed to review a ruling striking down the “Partial Birth Abortion Act of 2003.” Both groups urged the Court to affirm the decision below based on three decades of legal precedent protecting women’s health.

ACLU Calls for Reinstatement of Students Suspended from University of Illinois Paper (02/17/2006)
NEW YORK - The American Civil Liberties Union today called upon the University of Illinois to reinstate the editor in chief and opinions page editor of the student newspaper, the Daily Illini, who were suspended after reprinting a series of controversial cartoons satirizing the Prophet Mohammad.

Illinois Residents Sue State for Violating Americans with Disabilities Act, Failing to Provide Community Services (07/28/2005)
CHICAGO -- Nine Illinois residents with developmental disabilities today sued Illinois state officials, seeking an order that would require the state to provide services within a smaller community setting, instead of segregating people in large private institutions. The class-action lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union, among others, charges that by warehousing persons with developmental disabilities in large institutions, the state deprives them of their fundamental right to pursue meaningful and productive lives.

Prominent Chicago Religious Leaders Applaud Court Order Ending Pentagon's Special Funding for Boy Scout Jamboree (07/07/2005)
CHICAGO -- Two well-known Chicago religious leaders today hailed an injunction by U.S. District Court Judge Blanche Manning that bars the Pentagon from spending millions of dollars to support future Boy Scout Jamborees (the only youth organization event so funded by the Pentagon).

ACLU Sues Department of Homeland Security to End Repeated Detention of U.S. Citizen Triggered by "Unfortunate Misidentification" (06/27/2005)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked a federal district court to order the Department of Homeland Security to remedy policies that resulted in a U.S. citizen being detained in a nearly six-hour ordeal at the United States-Canada border as a result of being misidentified.

Following ACLU Lawsuit, Leafleting Guaranteed At All Public Doors into Chicago Convention Center (05/19/2005)
CHICAGO -- All people and organizations will have the opportunity to hand out leaflets at public entry and exit points at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, under the terms of a negotiated settlement agreement presented in federal court today. The settlement successfully concludes First Amendment litigation brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois on behalf of two activists who sought to broaden their opportunity to effectively communicate with people attending conventions at McCormick Place.

ACLU of Illinois Disappointed with High Court Ruling on Drug Dog Searches, Calls for State Law to Prevent Searches Without Suspicion (01/24/2005)
CHICAGO -- We are disappointed that the Supreme Court of the United States today exposes all motorists across Illinois, and the rest of the nation, to unnecessary, intimidating searches by drug-sniffing dogs. Thousands of motorists in Illinois already have been subjected to threatening searches by drug-sniffing dogs simply because they exceeded the speed limit or violated some other traffic law.

Prominent Chicago Area Organizations and Social Justice Activists Ask FBI to Make "Spy Files" Public (12/02/2004)
CHICAGO - Citing a need for public accountability and to guard against the wholesale surveillance of religious and political organizations, a diverse group of Chicago-area associations and individuals sharing a commitment to social justice and community service today filed federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) asking that agency to release surveillance files about those groups and individuals that were opened and maintained by FBI agents. The organizations and individuals reflect a broad coalition, including the local affiliates of legal organizations, groups committed to serving the Muslim and Arab population in the Chicago region, and local peace and justice coalitions.

Pentagon Agrees to End Direct Sponsorship of Boy Scout Troops in Response to Religious Discrimination Charge (11/15/2004)
CHICAGO - In response to a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, the Defense Department today agreed to end direct sponsorship of hundreds of Boy Scout units, which require members to swear religious oaths, on military facilities across the United States and overseas.

ACLU Hires Civil Rights Lawyer to Champion Equality for LGBT Rights/AIDS in Midwest (03/22/2004)
CHICAGO -- An accomplished attorney with more than a decade of experience advocating on behalf of individuals fighting discrimination has joined the American Civil Liberties Union's national and affiliate offices as part of the organization's continuing efforts to advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons and people with HIV/AIDS, the ACLU announced today.

ACLU of Illinois Sues Justice Department and Homeland Security Officials Over Failure to Release Racial Profiling Data (08/13/2003)
CHICAGO -- Calling on the Bush Administration to make a public showing that it is serious about the promise to fight racial profiling, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked a federal court to order the release of data that will help the public determine whether federal law enforcement agencies are engaged in racial profiling.

PATRIOT Act Not Ready to be Made Permanent, ACLU of Illinois Tells Lawmakers (04/09/2003)
CHICAGO - The sweeping powers granted to federal law enforcement as part of the USA PATRIOT Act should not be made permanent until the Congress and the American public have an opportunity to understand fully the scope of their use by the U.S. Department of Justice, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois said today.

ACLU of IL Files Lawsuit Charging Illegal Police Detention and Search of U.S. Olympic Athlete (03/24/2003)
CHICAGO--A member of the 2002 United States Winter Olympic Team was illegally stopped, detained and searched by police officers here, according to a federal lawsuit filed today by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.

ACLU of IL Asks Court to Maintain Desegregation Agreement for Chicago Public Schools (03/21/2003)
CHICAGO--Saying that it is crucial to keep in place a voluntary agreement designed to combat historic racial segregation in Chicago's public schools, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and a coalition of civil rights groups today filed a friend-of-the-court brief in federal court asking that the agreement remain in place.

ACLU Applauds Commutation of Death Sentences by Illinois Governor -- Says Question Is 'Now What?' (01/11/2003)
WASHINGTON--The American Civil Liberties Union today applauds the historic decision by Illinois Governor George Ryan to commute the sentences of all death row prisoners in the state to life in prison. Illinois has exonerated more people than it has executed, a testament to how broken the system is. Faced with these stark facts and a legislature that has been slow to enact reforms, Governor Ryan's actions are appropriate.

ACLU of Illinois Lauds Governor's Principled Decision Commuting Sentences of All Death Row Inmates (01/11/2003)
CHICAGO --Governor George Ryan's historic decision today to commute to life in prison the sentences of all death row inmates convicted under Illinois' discredited and failed death penalty system offers further compelling evidence that the capital punishment system in the state should be abolished.

Federal Judge Approves Settlement Protecting Chicago's "Public Square" (11/26/2002)
CHICAGO - Chicago's downtown federal plaza, home to demonstrations, prayer vigils and the distribution of leaflets on important matters of public policy for years, is more accessible to a more diverse range of voices under an agreement approved by a U.S. district court judge today.

ACLU Says Agreement in Lawsuit Protects Free Speech Rights in Chicago's "Public Square" (10/08/2002)
CHICAGO--A central venue historically used for demonstrations, prayer vigils and the distribution of leaflets is more accessible to a diverse range of voices because of an agreement presented in federal court today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois announced.

ACLU and Cook County Agree on Plan to Improve Chronic Conditions at IL Juvenile Detention Center (10/02/2002)
CHICAGO--Young persons detained at the nation's largest juvenile detention center should see marked improvement in the conditions of their confinement as a result of a court-enforceable agreement, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois announced today.

Federal Court Finds University of IL Violated Rights of Students and Faculty in Mascot Debate (05/28/2002)
CHICAGO--A federal court today ruled that University of Illinois officials violated the free speech rights of students and faculty when they required ""pre-clearance"" for any statements about the school's controversial use of Native American Chief Illiniwek as a mascot. 

ACLU Applauds Illinois Panel's Call for Death Penalty Reforms, Urges Support for National Moratorium on Executions (04/15/2002)
WASHINGTON--The American Civil Liberties Union applauds the call for sweeping changes in Illinois' death penalty system contained in a 200-page report released today. This report is the most comprehensive examination yet of the death penalty and should be a benchmark for further action by the states and the federal government. 

ACLU of Illinois Commends Release of Report by Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment (04/15/2002)
CHICAGO--The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois commends the Governor's Commission on Capital Punishment for its diligent work and considerable attention to addressing problems in Illinois' failed death penalty system. The recommendations of the Commission, as reflected in the report released today, demonstrate the seriousness and open-minded approach with which the Commission members approached this process. 

Class-Action Lawsuit Challenges Failure of Illinois Officials to Provide Adequate Mental Health Treatment (02/27/2002)
CHICAGO--Claiming that the treatment needs of the emotionally disturbed are not being met, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of four individuals currently being held in Joliet Correctional Center under the state's Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act. 

ACLU of Illinois Challenges Ethnic and Religious Bias in Strip Search of Muslim Woman at O'Hare International Airport (01/16/2002)
CHICAGO--An Illinois National Guardsman and three private security personnel at O'Hare International Airport engaged in an unnecessary, unjustified, illegal and degrading search of a 22-year-old United States citizen of Pakistani descent last November, according to a lawsuit filed today in federal district court by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. 

Specious Lawsuit Attacking National Public Education Campaign About RU-486 Dismissed in Illinois (01/10/2002)
CHICAGO--The American Civil Liberties Union today hailed the dismissal of a specious legal claim brought by three local anti-abortion activists in Chicago challenging the accuracy of the National Abortion Federation's (NAF) public education campaign regarding mifepristone (widely known as RU-486).

Chicago-Based Legal Coalition Mobilizes Lawyers to Offer Free Legal Services for Targets of FBI Interviews (12/06/2001)
CHICAGO--A coalition of Chicago-area legal organizations today announced an unprecedented mobilization to offer free legal services for all persons designated for questioning by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

ACLU of Illinois Challenges Official Ban on Demonstrations and Gatherings at Chicago's Federal Plaza (12/03/2001)
CHICAGO--Calling for federal officials to respect the rights of all persons to engage in meaningful public debate in these critical times, lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked a federal judge to lift the indefinite closure of Chicago's federal plaza.

ACLU of Illinois "Disappointed" by Expanded Surveillance Authority in State Anti-Terrorism Bill (11/29/2001)
CHICAGO--We are disappointed that the Illinois General Assembly today approved House Bill 2299, a measure expanding state and local police authority to monitor and record conversations without traditional safeguards. 

With Government Poised to Investigate Thousands, ACLU of Illinois Issues Ten-Point List of Constitutional Rights (11/15/2001)
CHICAGO--In an effort to provide straightforward information to anyone who may be interviewed or investigated by law enforcement officials, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today issued a ten-point document setting forth basic, constitutional rights every person should know. 

ACLU of Illinois Welcomes State Attorney General's Admission That Terrorism Definition Is Too Broad (11/01/2001)
CHICAGO--Restating a call for state lawmakers to resist a rush to enact flawed legislation granting sweeping new powers for state and local law enforcement, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today welcomed an acknowledgment by state Attorney General Jim Ryan that his proposed legislation's definition of terrorism is "too broad" and requires "refinement." 

ACLU of Illinois Launches Hotline for Muslims & Arab-Americans Unfairly Targeted by Law Enforcement (09/27/2001)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today launched a hotline in response to concerns that Muslims and persons of Arab descent may be unfairly targeted for investigation by law enforcement officials investigating the September 11 terrorist attacks. The hotline number is for the reporting of such incidents if and when they occur.

ACLU of Illinois Launches Hotline for Muslims And Arab-Americans Unfairly Targeted by Law Enforcemen (09/27/2001)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today launched a hotline in response to concerns that Muslims and persons of Arab descent may be unfairly targeted for investigation by law enforcement officials investigating the September 11 terrorist attacks. The hotline number is for the reporting of such incidents if and when they occur.

ACLU of Illinois Launches Hotline for Muslims And Arab-Americans Unfairly Targeted by Law Enforcemen (09/27/2001)

ACLU of Illinois Welcomes University's Action on "Chief Illiniwek" Issue as Victory for Free Speech (06/06/2001)
CHICAGO--The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and its clients in a lawsuit against the University of Illinois today expressed hope that a new directive issued by e-mail from the office of Chancellor Michael Aiken signals the end of the University's efforts to censor the speech of thousands of its students and faculty. 

Naperville, Illinois High School Senior is Among 12 Winners of ACLU College Scholarship for Youth Activism (05/23/2001)
CHICAGO - - The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today announced that David Lau of Naperville North High School is one of 12 seniors nationwide to be awarded a $4,000 college scholarship in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the struggle to defend civil liberties. inois. ""His energy, his intelligence and his keen understanding of the interests and concerns of students in the Chicago area was of great assistance to us. We wish him well.""

ACLU of Illinois Hails Judge's Decision Blocking School-Sanctioned Prayer at Graduation Ceremony (05/17/2001)
CHICAGO--The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today welcomed action by U.S. District Court Judge Joe Billy McDade to block school sanctioned prayers at this weekend's graduation ceremony at Washington Community High School. 

School Valedictorian and Her Parents File Federal Lawsuit Challenging School Sanctioned Prayers at Graduation Ceremony (05/16/2001)
CHICAGO--Acting on behalf of the valedictorian for the 2001 graduating class at Washington Community High School and her parents, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed a federal lawsuit in Peoria today asking a federal judge to block school sanctioned prayers at this Sunday's graduation ceremony. 

ACLU of Illinois Asks School Officials to End Divisive Prayers at Graduation Ceremony (05/14/2001)
CHICAGO--Calling on officials at Washington Community High School to demonstrate respect and tolerance for the religious freedom of all students, the American Civil Liberties Union today asked the Superintendent at the school to cancel plans to include an invocation and benediction at their graduation ceremony on May 20, 2001. 

Federal Court Rules that University of Illinois Violated Free Speech Rights in Mascot Controversy (04/05/2001)
PEORIA, IL--A federal judge here ruled today that the University of Illinois violated the free speech rights of students and faculty when it attempted to block their statements about the school's controversial use of Native American Chief Illiniwek as a mascot. 

University of Illinois Students and Faculty Challenge Gag Rule Set by Chancellor (03/22/2001)
CHICAGO - In a federal lawsuit filed today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois charged that efforts by the University of Illinois Chancellor to limit faculty and students' public statements surrounding the school's controversial use of Native American Chief Illiniwek as a school mascot are an unconstitutional limitation upon free speech rights. 

ACLU of Illinois Expresses Opposition to Creation of White House Office to Distribute Taxpayer Funds to Religious Organizations (01/29/2001)
CHICAGO--President Bush's creation of a White House office to fund religious organizations' participation in social service programs violates the U. S. Constitution's prohibition against government-sponsored religion and opens the door for tax-funded discrimination in the provision of desperately needed social services and employment.

High Number of Voting Irregularities Leads to Federal Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Illinois Election Process (01/11/2001)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked a federal judge to protect "the fundamental right to vote" for all persons, saying that inequalities, highlighted by the use of the error-ridden punch card voting system in many areas of the state, resulted in a disproportionate number of ballots from precincts with high racial minority populations going uncounted in the recent election.

ACLU of Illinois Names Colleen K. Connell Executive Director (11/16/2000)
CHICAGO--The American Civil Liberties Union today named an experienced civil rights litigator and renowned advocate for women's rights in Illinois as its new Executive Director.

IL Rights Groups Ask Cook County to Approve Funds to Ensure Fairness for Defense of Poor (11/13/2000)
CHICAGO--Citing the need to insure fairness and equality in the Cook County justice system, three Chicago-based organizations appeared at a hearing today to ask the county board to approve funds that would ease a growing backlog of appeals cases.

ACLU Welcomes Final Ruling in Court-Approved Plan to Prevent Racial Profiling in Highland Park, IL (09/27/2000)
CHICAGO-- The City of Highland Park and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today welcomed a federal judge's ruling approving a consent decree that establishes precedent-setting initiatives designed to prevent racial profiling.

City of Highland Park and ACLU Reach Landmark Agreement to Prevent Racial Profiling (07/12/2000)
HIGHLAND PARK, IL -- Calling it a positive resolution for all parties involved, the City of Highland Park and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today announced agreement on a plan designed to safeguard against racial profiling by police.

ACLU of Illinois Hails Supreme Court Decision Protecting Women's Health (06/28/2000)
CHICAGO -- Calling it a "triumph for women's health care over politics and ideology," the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today hailed a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down a so-called "partial birth abortion" law from Nebraska.

Illinois Village to Post Signs: "No Racial Profiling Allowed" (06/21/2000)
PARK FOREST, IL -- According to a story in today's Daily Southtown, racial profiling is prohibited in the Village of Park Forest, and now trustees plan to inform the public of that policy with signs. This week, village officials began discussing a plan to post nine signs declaring the village's position on racial profiling at entrances to the village.

Illinois Legislator Calls for Lawsuits as DWB Bill Stalls (06/18/2000)
CHICAGO -- A story in today's Chicago Sun-Times reported that a Chicago state legislator told suburban leaders Saturday that it's time for minorities victimized by unnecessary police stops to start suing government agencies.

Noted Alabama Civil Rights Lawyer To Join Staff of ACLU of Illinois (04/18/2000)
CHICAGO -- An Alabama civil rights lawyers who gained national prominence litigating a challenge to a state court judge posting the Ten Commandments in his courtroom will join the legal staff of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois this summer, officials announced today.

Federal Judge Exhorts Communities to Attack the "Cancer" of Racial Profiling (04/06/2000)
CHICAGO - According to a story in today's Chicago Sun-Times, U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo lashed out Wednesday against racial prejudice but praised steps the Mount Prospect police have taken since allegations of racial profiling surfaced in the northwest suburb.

Passage of 'Traffic Stop Data Collection Act' in Illinois is Key "First Step" to End of Racial Profiling, ACLU Says (03/03/2000)
CHICAGO, IL -- Calling it a "clear signal" that the state's highest leadership will not tolerate racial profiling, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today praised the passage of House Bill 3911 - the Traffic Stop Data Collection Act - by the Illinois House of Representatives.

ACLU of Illinois Calls on Legislature to Protect Financial Privacy (02/23/2000)
CHICAGO -- Hailing lawmakers' effort to "protect consumers across Illinois," the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today announced a formal endorsement for legislation introduced in the State Senate that would enhance preservation of financial privacy for the average bank customer.

ACLU Announces Support for New Effort To Strengthen Access to Illinois Records (02/16/2000)
CHICAGO -- Seeking to assure that all persons in Illinois have access to the public documents and records to which they are entitled, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today announced its full support for House Bill 4341.

Chicago City Council Adopts New Gang Loitering Ordinance (02/16/2000)
CHICAGO -- It is disappointing and disheartening that a majority of the City Council today voted to reinstate the discredited gang loitering ordinance, an approach that failed both in the courts and on the streets.

Racial Profiling Scandals Rock Chicago Suburbs (02/12/2000)
CHICAGO - According to a story in today's Chicago Sun Times, four additional current and former Highland Park police department employees have come forward to back allegations of racial profiling, discrimination and other wrongdoing within the 45-member North Shore department.

ACLU of Illinois Criticizes State Bill on Ten Commandments (02/10/2000)
The proposal, contained in House Bill 3854 sponsored by Representative James Fowler (D-Harrisburg), bans "content-based censorship of American history or heritage based on any religious references contained in these documents, writings or records." The bill, approved by a House Committee yesterday, will next be considered by the entire Illinois House of Representatives. 

ACLU of Illinois Testifies in Opposition to "Flawed" Gang Loitering Ordinance (02/02/2000)
CHICAGO, IL -- In an effort to reenergize the city's public debate about effective law enforcement strategies, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today appeared before the City Council Committee on Police and Fire to express opposition to renewed efforts to pass a gang loitering ordinance.

ACLU of Illinois Praises Governor's Courage in Suspending State Death Penalty System (01/31/2000)
CHICAGO, IL--The American Civil Liberties Union is pleased by Governor Ryan's action today suspending application of the death penalty in Illinois. The sad and discredited capital punishment system in this state deserves not only a moratorium, but all-out abolition.

ACLU of Illinois Urges Support for Legislative Ban On Executing the Mentally Retarded (01/27/2000)
CHICAGO, IL -- Heralding an important "first step" in establishing fairness and humanity in Illinois' discredited death penalty system, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today endorsed legislation filed in the state House and Senate to ban the execution of mentally retarded persons.

ACLU of Illinois Announces Full Support for Legislation to Study Racial Profiling (01/17/2000)
CHICAGO -- On a day when most Americans take time to celebrate important advancements in civil rights under the leadership of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today announced its support for legislation aimed at addressing the pervasive problem of racial profiling.

ACLU Questions Chicago's Plan to Return to Failed "Anti-Gang Loitering" Strategy (01/11/2000)
CHICAGO, IL -- Pointing to a lack of statistical evidence in support of its action and the absence of other serious anti-gang efforts, the ACLU of Illinois today questioned the City of Chicago's plan to reintroduce a so-called anti-gang loitering ordinance.

ACLU of Illinois Asks Supreme Court to Reject Renegade Ruling on Restrictive Abortion Law (01/10/2000)
CHICAGO, IL -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today asked the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of a deceptive and dangerous Illinois law banning many methods of abortion.

ACLU of Illinois Lauds Officials' Decision to Remove Religious Postings in Harrisburg Schools (12/07/1999)
CHICAGO -- Praising the members of the Harrisburg Board of Education for courage and reason, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today hailed the Board's decision to remove postings of the Ten Commandments in the district's school buildings.

Illinois Looks at "DWB" Bill (12/07/1999)
CHICAGO -- Adding fire to the debate over allegations of "racial profiling" by police in Illinois, State Senator Barack Obama announced plans on Monday, December 6th, to sponsor a bill requiring state police to record and release statistics on the race of all motorists they stop.

ACLU of Illinois Welcomes High Court Action On "Irrational and Punitive" Abortion Law (11/30/1999)
CHICAGO -- We are gratified for our clients -- some of Chicago's and the nation's most eminent obstetricians and gynecologists -- that Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has acted expeditiously this afternoon to ensure the continued protection of all women's health in Illinois.

Federal Judge Rejects City's Efforts to Modify Police Spying Guidelines (10/01/1999)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today welcomed a court's rejection of Chicago's efforts to modify a 1982 court order regulating police investigations of free-speech activities.

ACLU of Illinois Lauds Court Ruling That Boy Scouts Cannot Discriminate Based on Sexual Orientation (08/13/1999)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today hailed a Cook County Circuit Court decision barring the Boy Scouts from considering the sexual orientation of applicants in employment decisions.

ACLU Challenges Illinois Law Allowing Police to Seize Cars of Suspected Gang Members (07/28/1999)
CHICAGO -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today filed a class action lawsuit in Federal District Court challenging the constitutionality of a Cicero ordinance allowing police to seize and impound the cars of suspected gang members.

Settlement Ends Discrimination Case of Nine-Year-Old Forced to Take HIV Test (04/22/1999)
CAROL STREAM, IL -- A nine-year-old black child who was allegedly coerced into taking an HIV test after sharing a snorkel in a public pool with a white youth settled a discrimination case against a suburban day care center, the Chicago Sun-Times reported today.

ACLU of Illinois Sues to End Government Sponsorship of Boy Scout Programs (04/14/1999)
The suit charges that because the Boy Scouts exclude individuals who do not affirm a belief in God, the government agencies that operate these programs are in violation of the constitutional requirement of separation of church and state.