Home : Affiliates

Federal Court Of Appeals Hears Arguments On Hazleton Anti-Immigrant Law (10/30/2008)
PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union argued in an appellate court today that it should uphold the landmark July 2007 ruling by a federal court in Pennsylvania that declared the city of Hazleton's anti-immigrant law unconstitutional. Hazleton's law would punish landlords and employers who are accused of renting to or hiring anyone the city classifies as an "illegal alien."

ACLU Appeals Conviction Of Pennsylvania Man Charged With Harassment For Contacting His Public Officials For Help (07/23/2008)
PITTSBURGH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has filed an appeal in the state Superior Court on behalf of Bridgeville, PA resident Marshall Pappert, who was found guilty of harassment after he complained to the Bridgeville borough manager about the noise and pollution caused by a concrete manufacturing plant across the street from his home.

ACLU In Federal Court Today To Prevent Deportation Of Egyptian To Torture (06/30/2008)
PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Pennsylvania were in a federal appeals court today challenging the government's efforts to deport an Egyptian torture victim. The government claims to be relying on unreviewable "diplomatic assurances" from Egypt that it will not torture him upon his return. Last January, in the first decision of its kind, a federal district court sided with the ACLU and ordered the government to stop the deportation of Sameh Khouzam based on such secret and unreliable promises and release him under conditions of supervision. However, the Bush administration appealed this ruling, claiming that the executive branch has unfettered authority to deport Khouzam and to detain him indefinitely pending his legal proceedings.

Government Revoked Muslim Nuclear Physicist's Security Clearance To Retaliate For Criticism Of U.S. Policy, Says ACLU (06/26/2008)
PITTSBURGH - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit today on behalf of Dr. Moniem El-Ganayni, a nuclear physicist and naturalized American citizen whose security clearance was improperly revoked earlier this year by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). In an unprecedented move, the government – counter to its own policy – has denied El-Ganayni the chance to contest the revocation and refused to divulge the reasons behind it, citing "national security."

ACLU Sues To Protect Marriages Threatened By Recent Court Decision (02/14/2008)
PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed the first three lawsuits today in a planned statewide challenge of a recent judicial declaration stating that marriages are invalid if presided over by a minister who does not regularly serve a church or preach in a physical house of worship. The ruling potentially endangers thousands of marriages in Pennsylvania.

Egyptian Torture Victim Released From Immigration Detention (01/15/2008)
SCRANTON, PA - Egyptian national Sameh Khouzam was released from detention today days after a federal judge ruled that the U.S. government cannot rely on secret and unreviewable “assurances” from the Egyptian government that it will not torture him upon his return. Last Thursday, the judge granted Khouzam’s habeas corpus petition and ordered that he be immediately freed from a Pennsylvania prison, where he has been held since May. Khouzam is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Court Rejects Government’s Attempt to Deport Egyptian to Torture (01/10/2008)
SCRANTON, PA – In the first decision of its kind, a federal judge today ordered the government to stop the deportation of Egyptian national Sameh Khouzam based on a secret and unreliable “assurance” from the Egyptian government that it will not torture him upon his return. The judge called for Khouzam’s immediate release from jail under reasonable conditions of supervision and granted his habeas corpus petition. The American Civil Liberties Union, which filed a lawsuit on Khouzam’s behalf, applauded the judge’s ruling.

ACLU Asks Court to Bar Government From Deporting Egyptian National to Torture (08/30/2007)
SCRANTON, PA - At a hearing today in federal court, the American Civil Liberties Union argued that the U.S. government cannot deport an Egyptian national back to Egypt based on "diplomatic assurances" from the Egyptian government that it will not torture him upon his return. The ACLU also asked that he be immediately released from detention, where he has been held since May.

ACLU Calls for State Department and DHS to Stop Deportation to Torture of Coptic Christian to Egypt (06/04/2007)
NEW YORK -- The American Civil Liberties Union today condemned the government’s announcement that that it intends to deport Pennsylvania resident Sameh Khouzam to Egypt, a country the State Department reports engages in torture. The United States government claims it has received “diplomatic assurances” from Egypt and moved to deport Khouzam last week, despite a ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that he would likely be tortured upon his return.

Animal Rights Group to Resume Protest After ACLU of Pennsylvania Intervenes (06/01/2007)
PHILADELPHIA - Hugs for Puppies, a grassroots animal rights organization based in the Philadelphia area, will resume protests at Le Bec Fin and Brasserie Perrier after intervention by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and civil rights lawyer David Rudovsky.

Federal Judge Rules Against Policy of Denying Marriage License on Basis of Immigration Status (05/01/2007)
SCRANTON, PA - A federal judge today ruled that a county official cannot deny a marriage license to a couple simply because an applicant does not have a current visa or green card.

U.N. Independent Expert on Rights of Migrants Begins Fact-Finding Mission in United States (04/30/2007)
SAN DIEGO - The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed the official fact-finding visit to the United States by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants. The ACLU is among the select groups and individuals that will be meeting with the Special Rapporteur over the next three weeks to testify about the conditions of immigrants and migrants living in the United States.

Pennsylvania Couple Wrongfully Denied Marriage License Because of Immigration Status, ACLU Charges (04/18/2007)
SCRANTON, PA - The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Pennsylvania today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a West Hazleton couple who were denied a marriage license because of a policy that prohibits issuance of a license to anyone who cannot prove that “they are in the country legally.”

Federal Trial Over Hazleton, PA’s Anti-Immigrant Ordinances Concludes (03/22/2007)
SCRANTON, PA - Trial came to an end today in a federal challenge to prevent the city of Hazleton, PA from implementing harsh anti-immigrant ordinances that are at odds with federal law. The two-week trial revealed that Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta and city officials rushed to scapegoat undocumented immigrants for several of the city’s burdens, despite evidence to the contrary.

Trial Begins in Landmark Challenge to Anti-Immigrant Laws in Hazleton, PA (03/12/2007)
SCRANTON, PA - A federal trial began here today in a landmark challenge to local ordinances that seek to punish landlords and employers who do business with undocumented immigrants. Attorneys representing residents and business owners in Hazleton, PA argued that the laws are unconstitutional because they seek to trump federal immigration policy, and would legitimize discrimination against anyone who looks or sounds foreign.

ACLU Files Federal Lawsuit On Behalf of Pennsylvania Student Suspended Over Remark (12/19/2006)
PITTSBURGH — The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a former Beaver County student charging that the school district violated the student’s First Amendment rights when it punished him for a single, spontaneous remark he made in response to repeated teasing.

Federal Judge Blocks Hazleton Anti-Immigrant Ordinance (10/31/2006)
SCRANTON, PA -- A federal judge today issued a temporary order blocking anti-immigrant ordinances from being enforced in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, noting that the laws could cause “irreparable harm” to the city’s residents. The ordinances were challenged in court by local business owners, landlords and residents who would be negatively impacted by the laws.

Federal Judge Blocks Hazleton Anti-Immigrant Ordinance (10/31/2006)
SCRANTON, PA -- A federal judge today issued a temporary order blocking anti-immigrant ordinances from being enforced in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, noting that the laws could cause “irreparable harm” to the city’s residents. The ordinances were challenged in court by local business owners, landlords and residents who would be negatively impacted by the laws.

Hazleton Law Doesn’t Trump Federal Government, Groups Charge (10/30/2006)
HAZLETON, PA -- A coalition of local attorneys, civil rights and immigrants’ rights groups today filed new legal papers charging that the city of Hazleton has overstepped its authority by passing harsh anti-immigrant ordinances that are at odds with federal immigration law.

Voters Seek Stronger Role for Congress in Checking President's Actions, Poll Shows (10/10/2006)
NEW YORK- Voters in four key states want to see Congress take a stronger role in providing checks and balances to the President's actions in fighting terrorism, and voice a strong preference for House and Senate candidates who will oppose the President's policies on the treatment of Guantánamo detainees, the use of torture and extraordinary rendition of detainees as well as secret searches of the private records of Americans.

Hazleton Residents Sue to Halt Harsh Anti-Immigrant Law (08/15/2006)
HAZLETON, PA - An ordinance that classifies certain immigrants as "illegal," punishes landlords and employers who do business with those immigrants and makes English the official language is unconstitutional and should be blocked immediately, according to a lawsuit filed today by the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund, American Civil Liberties Union, the Community Justice Project, the law firm of Cozen O'Connor and local attorneys George Barron, David Vaida, and Barry Dyller.

ACLU Launches Nationwide Action Against NSA Snooping on Americans’ Phone Calls (05/24/2006)
NEW YORK -- Responding to reports that phone companies are turning over private details about Americans’ telephone calls to the National Security Agency, the American Civil Liberties Union today launched a nationwide initiative to end illegal government spying.

ACLU and Sentencing Experts Renew Call for Federal Courts to Uphold Judges’ Right to Reject 100-to-1 Crack/Powder Sentencing Disparity (05/18/2006)
PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union joined a group of renowned criminal law and sentencing experts in filing a friend-of-the-court brief today in support of the right of judges to depart from the notorious 100-to-1 crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity imposed by Congress. The case, U.S. v. Ricks, is being argued in the Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

ACLU Releases First Concrete Evidence of FBI Spying Based Solely on Groups’ Anti-War Views (03/14/2006)
PITTSBURGH – The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Pennsylvania today released new evidence that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting investigations into a political organization based solely on its anti-war views.

ACLU of Pennsylvania Seeks Pentagon Files on Peace Groups (02/01/2006)
PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today filed a federal Freedom of Information Act request on behalf of local peace activists and protest groups whose lawful activities may have been monitored by the Pentagon. The move is part of a national ACLU effort to reveal the extent and purpose of Pentagon spying.

ACLU Seeks Pentagon Files on Peace Groups (02/01/2006)
WASHINGTON -- In the wake of new evidence revealing Pentagon surveillance of peace groups and protest activities, the American Civil Liberties Union and its affiliates across the country today filed multiple Freedom of Information Act requests seeking to uncover who is being spied on by the Pentagon and why.

ACLU of Pennsylvania Calls Proposed Constitutional Amendment Anti-Family and Discriminatory (01/24/2006)
PHILADELPHIA – The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today proudly joins with our allies and friends to announce our spirited opposition to the constitutional amendment that is being proposed here in Pennsylvania. We know that this amendment is not just about same-sex marriage. Rather we recognize it for what it is – a political and divisive attack on thousands of families, children and loving relationships. We call on the members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reject this unnecessary and discriminatory amendment.

ACLU Settles Harassment Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Police Chief (01/24/2006)
PITTSBURGH -- The American Civil Liberties Union Greater Pittsburgh Chapter announced today that it has reached a settlement with a Washington County municipality and its suspended police chief that will ensure the freedom of residents to debate political issues on a local Web site without fear of retaliation from local authorities.

ACLU Applauds Decision in "Intelligent Design" Case (12/20/2005)
HARRISBURG, PA -- The American Civil Liberties Union today applauded a court ruling that it is unconstitutional to teach "intelligent design" as an alternative to evolution in a public school science classroom. Judge John E. Jones III, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, today ruled that "intelligent design" is a particular religious view and not a scientific theory. In his ruling, Judge Jones sharply rebuked the Dover Area School Board and its legal representation, Thomas More Law Center, stating, "the students, parents, and teachers of the Dover Area School District deserved better than to be dragged into this legal maelstrom, with its resulting utter waste of monetary and personal resources."

ACLU Hails Historic Ruling in Dover, Pennsylvania "Intelligent Design" Case (12/20/2005)
HARRISBURG, PA - "Intelligent design" is a particular religious belief, not a valid scientific theory, and teaching it in public school science classrooms violates the Constitution, according to Judge John E. Jones III's ruling today in Kitzmiller v. Dover.

Parents, Scientists Testify in Court on Major Flaws in "Intelligent Design" (10/13/2005)
HARRISBURG, PA -- The plaintiffs in Kitzmiller v. Dover, the first legal challenge to teaching ""intelligent design,"" are expected to wrap up their case by early next week. Eleven parents filed the federal lawsuit against the Dover Area School Board arguing that presenting ""intelligent design"" in public school science classrooms violates students' religious liberty. The parents are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP.

Expert Witness in Kitzmiller v. Dover Says Intelligent Design is Disguised Creationism (10/05/2005)
HARRISBURG, PA - Testimony today in Kitzmiller v. Dover , the first legal challenge to teaching intelligent design, traced the historical progression from creationism to intelligent design and revealed the true nature of the design theory: that it is creationism in disguise.

Federal Judge Denies Pennsylvania School Board's Move to Stop Trial in "Intelligent Design" Challenge (09/13/2005)
HARRISBURG, PA -- A federal judge today denied an attempt by the Dover Area School Board to prevent a lawsuit challenging the presentation of "intelligent design" in public science classrooms from going forward. The trial will begin as scheduled on September 26, and the legal team representing the 11 parents who filed the lawsuit will host a pretrial media teleconference on Friday, September 16 at noon.

Federal Court Orders Pennsylvania School District to Reinstate Student Rapper (08/24/2005)
PITTSBURGH - In a victory for free speech rights, a federal judge today ruled that ninth-grader Anthony Latour can return to school after he was expelled because of rap lyrics he wrote at home and posted on the Internet. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania on behalf of Latour and his parents charging that school officials violated the student's First Amendment rights.

Veterans' Group and ACLU Sue U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Over Refusal to Disclose Public Records on Healthcare Budgets (07/13/2005)
PITTSBURGH -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a veterans' group claiming that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' refusal to release records regarding controversial health service cutbacks and local hospital closures, unless the group pays more than $17,000 in fees, violates the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Pennsylvania County Settles ACLU Lawsuit Brought on Behalf of Political Protesters (06/27/2005)
LANCASTER, PA -- In a victory for free speech and protest rights, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today announced that the East Lampeter Township and a group of Lancaster County political activists have agreed to settle their civil lawsuit stemming from the activists' arrests during a campaign visit by President Bush last July.

Pennsylvania Judge Upholds Muslim Firefighter's Religious Liberty in ACLU Lawsuit (06/01/2005)
PHILADELPHIA -- In Pennsylvania's first court interpretation of the state's Religious Freedom Protection Act, a city judge has ruled that a devout Muslim firefighter who refuses to shave his beard on religious grounds cannot be fired while his legal case continues.

ACLU Sues PA School District to Stop Official Prayers at Graduation and School Board Meetings (05/26/2005)
PITTSBURGH -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit today against the Keystone School District in Clarion County asking a federal court for an immediate order prohibiting school officials from allowing prayers at tomorrow's graduation ceremony and from continuing to open school board meetings with a sectarian prayer.

ACLU Calls on Pennsylvania to Follow Michigan's Lead and Withdraw From "Matrix" Snoop Program (03/08/2005)
PHILADELPHIA - Yesterday, state police officials in Michigan announced that they were withdrawing from the controversial Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange, more commonly known as MATRIX. Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania calls on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to follow Michigan's lead by ending its involvement in this government supervised invasion of people's privacy.

Pennsylvania Jail Requires Religion With Rehabilitation, ACLU Charges (02/17/2005)
TOWANDA, PA-- The only vocational training program available at a Pennsylvania county jail forces prisoners to participate in religious discussions, religious lectures and prayer, the American Civil Liberties Union charged today in a complaint filed in federal court.

Pennsylvania Parents File First-Ever Challenge to "Intelligent Design" Instruction in Public Schools (12/14/2004)
HARRISBURG, PA-The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and attorneys with Pepper Hamilton LLP filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of 11 parents who say that presenting ""intelligent design"" in public school science classrooms violates their religious liberty by promoting particular religious beliefs to their children under the guise of science education.

ACLU Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Protesters Arrested at Bush Rally in Pennsylvania (12/09/2004)
LANCASTER, PA-The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of five men who were arrested after they stripped down to thong underwear and formed a human pyramid in anticipation of President Bush's motorcade procession through Lancaster County. The men attempted to re-create the infamous image that emerged from the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq.

Pennsylvania DA Dismisses Charges Against Anti-Bush Protesters (10/15/2004)
LANCASTER, PA-The district attorney today withdrew all charges of disorderly conduct against six men who were arrested during a July 9th demonstration in anticipation of President Bush's motorcade procession. The men stripped down to thongs and attempted to re-create the infamous human pyramid image that emerged from the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq.

ACLU Defends Six Men Arrested During Protest at President Bush Rally (10/14/2004)
LANCASTER, PA-The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania on Monday will lead the defense team representing six men who were arrested after they stripped down to thong underwear and formed a human pyramid in anticipation of President Bush's motorcade procession through Lancaster County. The men attempted to re-create the infamous image that emerged from the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq.

ACLU Ends Discrimination Lawsuit Against the University of Pittsburgh Following Decision to Provide Equal Benefits to Gay Employees (10/05/2004)
PITTSBURGH - Following a decision by the University of Pittsburgh to provide domestic partner health coverage to its lesbian and gay employees, the American Civil Liberties Union today withdrew a legal challenge to the university's prior refusal to provide the benefits, ending an eight-year legal battle.

Federal Court Strikes Down Pennsylvania Law That Blocked More Than One Million Legal Web Sites (09/10/2004)
PHILADELPHIA -- In a critical test of a novel attempt to regulate speech on the Internet, a federal judge today held Pennsylvania's web blocking law to be unconstitutional. The court found that the state's ""Internet Child Pornography Act"" was ineffective in blocking child pornography, but was very effective in blocking access to more than one million constitutionally protected web sites with no sexual content.

ACLU Praises Appeals Court Decision Striking Down Pennsylvania's Mandatory Pledge of Allegiance Law (08/19/2004)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today praised an appeals court decision striking down a Pennsylvania law requiring private and public school students to begin each school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or singing the national anthem. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that law violated the First Amendment rights of students and private schools.

ACLU Blasts University of Pittsburgh for Attempting to Destroy Anti-Discrimination Protections for Gay People (06/24/2004)
PITTSBURGH - The American Civil Liberties Union today denounced the University of Pittsburgh for asking a Pennsylvania court to strike down all laws in the state against sexual orientation discrimination. The ACLU's statement came as it filed a brief in Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in a lawsuit related to its litigation against the University of Pittsburgh for equal employment benefits for gay employees.

ACLU Applauds Pennsylvania Court Decision to Appoint Lawyers for Poor People Facing Prison (06/09/2004)
PITTSBURGH -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today applauded a decision by the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas to provide court-appointed lawyers to poor people facing jail-time for failing to make payments in child-support cases.

ACLU of Pennsylvania Sues York County Sheriffs Over Racial Profiling of African American State Trooper (05/04/2004)
YORK, PA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today filed a lawsuit on behalf of an African American state trooper who was the victim of a racial profiling traffic stop by the York County Sheriff's Department.

ACLU Sues Pennsylvania Township After Officials Send Protesters $3,000 Bill For Peaceful March (03/11/2004)
HARRISBURG, PA- A town's attempt to collect more than $3,000 in parade permit fees from three dozen peaceful protesters violates basic free speech rights, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania charged today in a federal civil rights lawsuit.

ACLU Continues Fight for Domestic Partnership Benefits for Gay Employees of the University of Pittsburgh (01/21/2004)
PITTSBURGH - The American Civil Liberties Union filed notice today that it is appealing a recent decision by a trial judge preventing lesbian and gay employees from going forward with their challenge to the University of Pittsburgh's policy of denying them access to health insurance and other employee benefits for their domestic partners.

Documents Acquired By ACLU Prove That MATRIX is a Data Mining Program (01/21/2004)
NEW YORK--New documents released today by the American Civil Liberties Union prove that data mining is at the heart of the controversial MATRIX police database system and reveal that the federal authorities have been deeply involved in developing the state-run effort to spy on citizens.

ACLU Threatens Lawsuit Over Shortening of Special Registration Deadline for Arabs and Muslims in Pennsylvania (11/24/2003)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today warned immigration officials that it will file a federal civil rights lawsuit unless its Philadelphia office abandons a policy that makes it more difficult for thousands of Arab, Muslim and South Asian men to comply with the government's controversial "Special Registration" program.

Pennsylvania Superior Court Rules: Amish Can Stick With Reflective Tape on Buggies (10/21/2003)
PITTSBURGH -- The required display of orange triangles on their horse-drawn buggies is a thing of the past for Pennsylvania's Swartzentruber Amish after a panel of three Pennsylvania Superior Court judges ruled 2-1 today that the triangle is no longer the only legal means of calling attention to their buggies.

Students Converge on Pennsylvania's Capitol to Protest the Death Penalty (10/10/2003)
HARRISBURG, PA--High school and college students will rally on the steps of the state capitol tomorrow to protest the death penalty, following a day of conference and workshops sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union's Students Against the Death Penalty at Grace United Methodist Church. Keynote speakers are former Illinois Governor George Ryan, who commuted the sentences of all 167 Illinois death row inmates before leaving office in 2003; and Ray Krone, released from Arizona's death row in 2002 following ten years imprisonment.

ACLU of PA Sues Beaver County Child Welfare Agency Over Wrongful Seizure of Newborns (10/02/2003)
PITTSBURGH -- The American Civil Liberties Union's Greater Pittsburgh Chapter today filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of a young mother, Selina Underwood, saying that Beaver County officials violated her rights when they seized her children - including a day-old newborn -- without evidence that they were in any danger.

Secret Service Ordered Local Police to Restrict Anti-Bush Protesters at Rallies, ACLU Charges in Unprecedented Nationwide Lawsuit (09/23/2003)
WASHINGTON - At events attended by President Bush and other senior federal officials around the country, the Secret Service has been discriminating against protesters in violation of their free speech rights, the American Civil Liberties Union charged today in the first nationwide lawsuit of its kind.

Pennsylvania Town Must Pay $100,000 for Threatening to Tell Teen's Family He Was Gay (09/12/2003)
PHILADELPHIA - A settlement in the shocking case of a teenager who committed suicide after two police officers threatened to "out" him to his family sends a clear message to government officials to stay out of the private lives of lesbian and gay teenagers, the American Civil Liberties Union said today.

Pennsylvania Town Suspends Restrictions on Door-to-Door Canvassing Under Threat of ACLU Lawsuit (08/28/2003)
PITTSBURGH -- Officials in Kennedy Township in Western Pennsylvania today agreed to the American Civil Liberties Union's request that it suspend enforcement of a new ordinance that restricts peoples' right to go door-to-door to discuss political, religious and other issues face-to-face with community residents.

ACLU Says Ashcroft Could Benefit From Visit to Philadelphia's Constitution Center During Controversial Patriot Act "Roadshow" (08/19/2003)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today suggested that Attorney General John Ashcroft use tomorrow's visit to the National Constitution Center to actually tour the exhibits at the Center and learn more about the constitutional rights he is supposed to uphold.

Supreme Court Gay Rights Ruling Advances ACLU's Lawsuit Against University of Pittsburgh Over Gay Employee Benefits (07/29/2003)
PITTSBURGH - In its seven-year gay-rights battle to force the University of Pittsburgh to provide healthcare benefits to gay employees' domestic partners, the American Civil Liberties Union today advised the trial court that the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last month in Lawrence v. Texas requires it to reject the University's most recent attempt to end the litigation.

Philadelphia Adopts "Modern-Day Declaration of Independence," Local Resolution Addresses PATRIOT Act, Post 9/11 Civil Liberties Concerns (05/29/2003)
WASHINGTON - Calling it a "modern-day declaration of independence," the American Civil Liberties Union today hailed the Philadelphia City Council's passage of a local resolution expressing concern for civil liberties in the post-9/11 era. Philadelphia, the ACLU noted, holds a special place in the annals of American democracy as the birthplace of America, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

ACLU Lawsuit Over Pittsburgh's Property Sweeps of Homeless Results in One of Nation's Most Protective Policies (05/13/2003)
PITTSBURGH -- Under a settlement reached in a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of Pittsburgh's unsheltered homeless people by the American Civil Liberties Union, city officials have agreed to stop destroying homeless people's property and to provide advance notice of property sweeps.

ACLU Urges Pennsylvania Legislature to Review Laws Regulating Internet Communications (05/12/2003)
PHILADELPHIA -- Furthering its commitment to keeping cyberspace free from censorship, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today urged state lawmakers to undertake a thorough review of existing Pennsylvania laws regulating Internet communications.

ACLU Sues Pittsburgh Over Seizure and Destruction of Homeless People's Belongings (05/05/2003)
PITTSBURGH -- Acting on behalf of unsheltered homeless individuals here, the American Civil Liberties Union of Greater Pittsburgh today filed a federal civil rights class action lawsuit charging the city with depriving local homeless people of their due process rights when it seizes and destroys their personal property, including family photographs, medications and identification papers.

ACLU of Pennsylvania Endorses Improvements to State's Civil Rights Laws (04/29/2003)
PHILADELPHIA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania strongly supports efforts to update Pennsylvania's civil rights laws to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The time has come for Pennsylvania to join the 13 other states that provide equal rights and equal justice to their citizens and taxpayers.

ACLU of Pennsylvania Asks For Moratorium on Executions (04/22/2003)
PHILADELPHIA - In light of recently introduced legislation and the findings of a state Supreme Court Committee report, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today calls on Pennsylvania to enact a death penalty moratorium until serious systemic problems have been addressed.

ACLU Files Racial Profiling Lawsuit Against Transportation Security Administration (04/14/2003)
PHILADELPHIA - The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a federal lawsuit against the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for civil rights violations stemming from the wrongful arrest of a Florida doctor and Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves who was detained for hours solely on the basis of his skin color and national origin.

ACLU of PA Calls for Restoration of Funds for Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation (04/08/2003)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania calls upon Governor Rendell and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to restore the $100 million for drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation that were sacrificed in the recently enacted spending plan. We think that it is critically important to all of the people of Pennsylvania that these vital services be properly funded.

Federal Appeals Court Hears ACLU Argument Against Government Endorsement of Ten Commandments (04/07/2003)
PHILADELPHIA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit that a Ten Commandments plaque on the county courthouse violated principles of religious freedom. The appeals court will now decide whether to uphold the trial court's order to remove the plaque.

PA Court Says School's Punishment for Internet Speech Violated Student's Rights (02/26/2003)
PITTSBURGH - A federal judge today ruled that a local school district violated the free speech rights of a student when it kicked him off the volleyball team because he posted an Internet message from home criticizing an art teacher.

ACLU Applauds Decision of Two PA Universities to Offer Domestic Partnership Benefits to Lesbian and Gay Employees (02/14/2003)
PHILADELPHIA- The American Civil Liberties Union today praised Temple and Drexel Universities for deciding to provide domestic partnership benefits to their lesbian and gay employees and urged other employers to follow their leadership.

PA High School Pays $60,000 to Student Who Was Punished for Private Internet Message (11/18/2002)
PITTSBURGH - A local school district has agreed to pay $60,000 in partial settlement of lawsuit brought by a former student who was kicked off the volleyball team because he posted an Internet message criticizing an art teacher, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania announced today.

ACLU of PA Files Discrimination Lawsuit Over Denial of Zoning Permit for African American Baptist Church (10/28/2002)
PITTSBURGH - Acting on behalf of a local congregation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today filed a federal civil rights lawsuit charging illegal race and religious discrimination in town officials' refusal to issue a zoning permit to a predominantly African-American church.

ACLU Urges PA to Proceed with Caution in Implementing New Federal Election Law (10/24/2002)
PHILADELPHIA -- Furthering its commitment to protect the fundamental right to vote and to have one's vote counted fairly and accurately, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today urged state lawmakers to act carefully in implementing the new federal election law, the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

In Legal First, ACLU Asks Pennsylvania Supreme Court to Protect Anonymous Online Speakers from Legal Intimidation (10/01/2002)
PITTSBURGH--In the first case of its kind ever to reach a state supreme court, the American Civil Liberties Union today asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to protect anonymous speakers in cyberspace who face legal intimidation from public officials whom they criticize.

ACLU Urges Lawmakers to Investigate Racial Profiling And Recklessness by Federal Air Marshals (09/24/2002)
PHILADELPHIA--The American Civil Liberties Union today called on lawmakers to investigate the actions of air marshals who handcuffed and detained a 54-year-old Florida doctor of Indian descent because they ""didn't like the way he looked.""

Appeals Court Hears Arguments Today in Second ACLU Challenge to Secret Immigration Hearings (09/17/2002)
PHILADELPHIA-A federal appeals court is scheduled to hear arguments today in the American Civil Liberties Union's second challenge to a government policy blocking media and public access to immigration hearings of people detained after Sept. 11.

ACLU and Community Groups Ask Court to Reject Proposed Justice Department Changes to Police Abuse Monitoring (09/12/2002)
PITTSBURGH - In preparation for a hearing tomorrow to determine whether Justice Department oversight should be lifted from the troubled Pittsburgh police department, 18 civil rights, community, religious and minority-police-officer organizations have filed a friend-of-the-court brief opposing the proposed changes and asking the court to order increased federal oversight to address serious problems with internal affairs investigations into misconduct allegations.

ACLU Distressed That Justice Department Considering Release of Pittsburgh Police From Consent Decree in Light of Today's Highly Critical Auditor's Report: Statement by Witold Walczak, Executive Director of the ACLU of Pittsburgh (08/29/2002)
PITTSBURGH - One day after Pittsburgh officials announced that the Department of Justice will be releasing the police department from a historic 1997 consent decree that imposed federal oversight on the police bureau, the independent auditor evaluating the City's performance filed a damning report today, saying that City's non-compliance has increased substantially in the past quarter.

ACLU of PA Secures Settlement for NJ Turnpike Racial Profiling Victims (08/20/2002)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and cooperating law firms today ended a three-year racial profiling legal battle with the New Jersey State Police by securing a $250,000 settlement for three African-American motorists.

Court Auditor Slams Pittsburgh Police for Whitewashing Misconduct Complaints (08/01/2002)
PITTSBURGH- The court-appointed auditor overseeing the police bureau's progress under the first-in-the-nation consent decree with the Department of Justice filed a highly critical report yesterday, suggesting that the City may have deliberately delayed investigating some very serious misconduct complaints, including the strip-search of an infant. 

ACLU Files Two Free-Speech Lawsuits Against Police For Arresting People Who Used "Naughty Language" (07/02/2002)
PITTSBURGH- In two federal civil rights lawsuit filed today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Greater Pittsburgh said that police violated the rights of a retired Army officer and two college students who were arrested for using profanity in public.

ACLU Calls For Pennsylvania to Become Third State To Enact Death Penalty Moratorium (05/16/2002)
PHILADELPHIA-- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is once again calling on Pennsylvania to enact a death penalty moratorium. We urge our elected officials to demonstrate the kind of compassion and courage displayed by the Governors of Maryland and Illinois and make Pennsylvania the third state in the country to suspend its use of the death penalty.  

Protesters Against Sweatshop Merchandise Outside Pirates Baseball Stadium Sue to Reclaim First Amendment Rights (04/09/2002)
PITTSBURGH-The American Civil Liberties Union today filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on behalf of four political activists who were arrested last month for distributing leaflets criticizing the Pittsburgh Pirates for selling merchandise made by Third World sweatshop labor. 

ACLU of PA Urges Passage of Legislation to End Death Penalty for those with Mental Retardation (03/18/2002)
PHILADELPHIA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today urged state lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 26, legislation that would prohibit the execution of individuals with mental retardation. 

ACLU of PA Says Passage of Law Allowing Post-Conviction DNA Testing is Critical to Promoting Justice (02/07/2002)
PHILADELPHIA--Following reports of yet another case in which DNA test results have demonstrated that an individual was wrongfully convicted, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today urged state lawmakers to enact legislation providing for post-conviction DNA testing. 

ACLU, NAACP Join in Opposing End to Justice Department Oversight of Pittsburgh Police (01/09/2002)
PITTSBURGH--The NAACP today joined the American Civil Liberties Union in saying that they oppose ending federal government supervision of the Pittsburgh Police Bureau because the agency has failed to fix serious problems in the internal affairs division that investigates civilian complaints about police misconduct. 

ACLU of Pennsylvania Supports Congregation's Fight for Religious Freedom (01/07/2002)
PHILADELPHIA--Citing the "constitutional promise of religious freedom," the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today announced its support for members of Congregation Kol Ami in their fight to use a former Catholic convent as a synagogue. 

Discarded Abu-Jamal Death Sentence More Proof of Death Penalty System Plagued By Ineffective Counsel, ACLU Says (12/18/2001)
WASHINGTON--Today's decision by U.S. District Judge William Yohn to throw out Mumia Abu-Jamal's death sentence due to improper courtroom procedure underscores the point that our nation's death penalty system is riddled with flaws. 

"Heartbreaking" Loss: Federal Jury Clears Police of Responsibility for Threatening To Out Teen, Causing His Suicide (11/07/2001)
ALLENTOWN, PA -- A federal jury tonight cleared three small-town police officers of allegations that they violated a teen's constitutional right to privacy by threatening to disclose that the teen was gay, causing him to commit suicide.

Trial Enters Second Day in ACLU Lawsuit Against Police Who Threatened To Out Teen, Causing His Suicide (11/06/2001)
ALLENTOWN, PA -- A jury will hear from more witnesses today as the federal court trial continues in the American Civil Liberties Union's lawsuit against small-town Pennsylvania police officers who threatened to tell a teenager's family that he was gay, causing him to commit suicide.

ACLU of PA Criticizes Legislation Expanding Police Power to Arrest and Detain Individuals Without ID (09/04/2001)
PHILADELPHIA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today criticized proposed legislation that would dramatically expand the authority of the police to arrest and detain individuals who do not provide police officers with satisfactory identification. 

PA Election Code Unfairly Discriminates in Favor of Established Party Candidates, ACLU Charges (08/24/2001)
PITTSBURGH--Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today filed a federal civil rights lawsuit charging that the state applies unequal candidate-disqualification criteria that unfairly burden small political parties and independent third-party candidates. 

Citing Report, ACLU and NACDL Say Defense of Poor Is in Jeopardy in Venango County, PA (06/07/2001)
PITTSBURGH--A nationally recognized expert's review of the Venango County Public Defender Program reveals a system in crisis that is failing to provide adequate counsel to the poor, the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers said today. 

Justice in Crisis: Venango County, PA's Indigent Defense System Fact Sheet and Report Synopsis (06/07/2001)
Following is an overview of the situation in Venango County, including a synopsis of key information in the Hartman report and a look at how Pennsylvania's public defenders system compares with others around the country. 

ACLU of PA Renews Call for Passage of Legislation to Address Racial Profiling (05/29/2001)
PHILADELPHIA--The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today renewed its call for the passage of legislation that would seriously address the problem of racial profiling. 

Justices Protect News Media's Free Speech Rights in Cell Phone Wiretap Case (05/21/2001)
NEW YORK--The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed a Supreme Court ruling saying that a radio station cannot be sued for airing a cell phone conversation that addresses matters of public concern but was illegally taped by a third party. 

ACLU of Puerto Rico Criticizes Government Treatment of Veiques Protestors (05/07/2001)
SAN JUAN, PR -- The American Civil Liberties Union's Puerto Rico chapter today severely criticized the federal government's multiple violations of the civil liberties of demonstrators protesting the U.S. Navy's bombing exercises on Veiques island. 

ACLU Says President Bush, Congress Not Doing Enough To Fix Nation's Broken Election System (04/02/2001)
PHILADELPHIA - Testifying here in the cradle of our democracy, the American Civil Liberties Union today said that President George W. Bush and the Republican majority in Congress are not doing enough on the urgent need for federal legislation to fix the nation's broken election system. 

ACLU Urges PA Lawmakers to Pass Legislation to Aid Wrongfully Convicted (03/26/2001)
PHILADELPHIA--The American Civil Liberties Union today urged the Pennsylvania General Assembly to enact legislation that would make it easier for wrongfully convicted individuals to prove their innocence. The ACLU of Pennsylvania called on lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 589, legislation that provides for post-conviction DNA testing. 

ACLU Endorses Improvements to Pennsylvania's Election Laws (03/15/2001)
PHILADELPHIA--Furthering its commitment to protecting the fundamental right to vote and the right to have one's voted counted fairly and accurately, the American Civil Liberties Union today endorsed significant changes to Pennsylvania's election law. 

ACLU's Penn State Chapter Launches Action Website in Response to Campus Censorship Threats (03/12/2001)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA -- Responding to recent attacks on students' free speech rights by a few state legislators, the Pennsylvania State University chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has launched a web site which allows students to urge their elected officials to fight censorship at Penn State.

Lawmakers Threaten University Funding Over Women's Festival and Safer Sex Events at Penn State (03/12/2001)
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA --The Penn State Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union spoke out today against lawmakers' threats to withdraw university funding because of objections to recent campus activities aimed at promoting safer sex and feminist themes.

Federal Appeals Court Rejects Foster Care Policy That Discriminates Based on HIV/AIDS Status (03/06/2001)
PHILADELPHIA -- A Pennsylvania county children's agency cannot disqualify prospective foster parents because one of their children has AIDS -- and cannot force them to disclose their children's health status -- the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled, in a decision hailed today by the American Civil Liberties Union, which represents the parents. 

Court Rules that Tragic Police Outing of Gay Teen Violated Constitutional Rights; ACLU Sees Broad Impact (11/07/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - In a solid victory for the privacy rights of lesbian and gay Americans -- and particularly for young gay people -- a Federal Appeals Court ruled late yesterday that police violated a gay teen's constitutional rights when they threatened to tell his family that he was gay. The boy committed suicide after the threat was made.

Major Victory in Tragic Case of Teen Outing Will Have Broad Impact for LGBT Youth (11/07/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - In a solid victory for the privacy rights of lesbian and gay Americans -- and particularly for young gay people -- a Federal Appeals Court ruled late yesterday that police violated a gay teen's constitutional rights when they threatened to tell his family that he was gay. The boy committed suicide after the threat was made.

ACLU Lends Support to Challenge of Pennsylvania's Lobbying Disclosure Act (09/25/2000)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and other public interest legal organizations joined forces today to challenge the state's Lobbying Disclosure Act.

ACLU Backs Free Speech Rights for PA Citizens Fighting Chain Store in Their Neighborhood (09/12/2000)
Pittsburgh, PA -- The American Civil Liberties Union is going to bat for the Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and other organizations and individuals facing a $7 million lawsuit for for opposing a new CVS Pharmacy in Homestead, PA.

ACLU Denounces Police Infiltration of Protest Groups at GOP Convention in Philadelphia (09/07/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania today denounced the use of state police to infiltrate political activist groups that planned protests at last month's Republican National Convention.

PA Officials Routinely Deny Federally Mandated Aid To Relatives Acting as Foster Parents (08/16/2000)
PHILADELPHIA -- State and county officials are withholding tens of millions of dollars per year in federal benefit payments to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others caring for the children of troubled relatives, according to a federal class action lawsuit filed today in Philadelphia by the Juvenile Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union.

ACLU Criticizes Police Officials for Overreacting to Disruptions at Convention (08/07/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is extremely critical of how Police Commissioner John Timoney and District Attorney Lynne Abraham are overreacting to the disruptions and vandalism that occurred in Philadelphia on August 1, 2000.

ACLU Responds to Disruptions at GOP Convention in Philadelpia (08/02/2000)
PHILADELPHIA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is disappointed by the turn of events here yesterday. The disruptions, vandalism and arrests were particularly troubling since the previous three days had been marked by large and peaceful protests.

ACLU Comments on Beating of Suspect by Philadelphia Police Caught on Videotape (07/13/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania is profoundly disturbed that Thomas Jones sustained significant injuries as the result of what appears to be an excessive use of force by Philadelphia police officers. The videotape reveals an arrest situation that was completely out of control.

Crossing the Line: Protest, Politics and Power at the National Republican Convention (07/10/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- At a town hall meeting next Monday, July 17th, the American Civil Liberties Union and WHYY radio are teaming up for a special presentation on balancing the rights of protesters at the National Republican Convention in Philadelphia with concerns for an orderly convention.

PA Town Ends Fight Over Resident's Display of "Butterfly" Artwork on Front Lawn (03/22/2000)
UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA -- An artist's eight-month battle with town officials over her right to display a painting of butterflies in her front yard ended today with an agreement that all residents are entitled to display constitutionally protected words and images.

ACLU Urges PA Legislature to Repeal Law Barring Ex-offenders from the Voting Booth (02/29/2000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA -- At a public hearing scheduled for this Thursday, March 2, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania said it will urge the state legislature to repeal a law that bars ex-offenders from registering to vote for five years.

PA Police Veteran Testifies in Favor of State Death Penalty Moratorium Bill (02/22/2000)
HARRISBURG, PA -- At a public hearing today, Leslie Seymore, President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and a 26-year veteran of the City of Philadelphia's Police Department, called on the state General Assembly to enact a death penalty moratorium and undertake a study of how the death penalty is implemented in the state.

ACLU Challenges Pennsylvania Legislature to Combat Racial Profiling (12/14/1999)
HARRISBURG, PA -- At a public hearing today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania called on the state General Assembly to enact tough legislation to combat racial profiling, the police practice of stopping and searching motorists based on race.

Groups Call on Justice Dept. to Maintain Court-Ordered Police Reforms in Pittsburgh (11/17/1999)
PITTSBURGH -- In a letter sent today to the U.S. Department of Justice, a broad coalition of 20 community and national rights groups are urging officials to reject efforts to end a court-monitored decree requiring sweeping reforms in the city's police department.

High Court Rejects Sales Tax Appeal on Religious Goods (10/12/1999)
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court today declined to review a decision barring Pennsylvania from including religious publications and other items in the materials it exempts from sales taxes, the Associated Press reported.

Drug Prevention Law Ignores More Effective Alternative, ACLU Tells PA Lawmakers (08/18/1999)
HARRISBURG, PA -- In testimony before a state committee on criminal justice issues, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania opposed a law that would slap a mandatory two-year prison term on anyone convicted of dealing drugs within 1,000 feet of a day-care center, the Bucks County Courier Times reports.

PA Towns Says "Never on a Sunday" to Solicitation (08/06/1999)
FOX CHAPEL, PA -- Borough officials here are walking a tightrope between heeding residents' wishes and preserving free speech rights, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, as reported by The Valley Herald, a newspaper covering Western Pennsylvania.

"Butterflies Are Free!" ACLU Declares in PA Artwork Controversy (07/29/1999)

Commission Orders Public Hearing in ACLU's Domestic Partner Discrimination Suit Against University of Pittsburgh (06/17/1999)
PITTSBURGH -- The City's Human Relations Commission today issued an order refusing to dismiss a sexual orientation discrimination complaint involving health benefits filed against the University of Pittsburgh, known as "Pitt."

University Students on Hunger Strike in Fight for Gay Rights (04/22/1999)
PITTSBURGH, PA -- A group of University of Pittsburgh students are in the eleventh day of a hunger strike, protesting the school's refusal to extend medical benefits to the lesbian partner of a former writing instructor, the Associated Press reported today.