Help Us Protect Women's Rights

Negotiations on the final health care bill pick up speed this week. Anti-choice forces are working round-the-clock to keep severe abortion restrictions in the health care bill. Both bills stigmatize abortion coverage and ignore the reality that abortion services are basic health care for women.

Even our allies in Congress are feeling pressure. That's why it's so urgent that you take action today. Anti-choice forces are working round-the-clock to keep severe abortion restrictions in the health care bill. We have to work just as hard to get those restrictions out.

Tell your members of Congress that Stupak-style restrictions must not be part of any final legislation. Please act immediately to insist on health reforms that will protect reproductive freedom, not put it in peril.

A good start to 2010

The ACLU started the year off with a win, settling a free speech case with the Jefferson County School District & Sheriff's Dept. When Blake Benson tried to express his political views by wearing his "NObama" t-shirt near the crowd gathering to hear Michelle Obama speak the day before the 2008 election, school officials ordered him to leave. When he refused, sheriffs cuffed and arrested him. Read details of the incident and settlement here.

On the very last day of 2009, the City of Englewood accepted the Colorado Court of Appeals ruling in the case of Mike Mahaney's "Alice in Wonderland" mural. The appellate court overturned a lower-court ruling that said the mural violated the city's sign code. The mural can stay!

Lastly, while this case isn't won yet, it still has a chance. The Curious Theatre Company decided to petition for certiori in its stage smoking ban case to the United States Supreme Court. They hope to have the Justices find that a blanket ban on smoking that includes theatrical productions in unconstitutional. The ACLU filed an amicus brief in support of that argument.

The circus is back in town. Expect more emails asking you to call your senators and representatives to remind them that they are duty-bound to defend civil liberties. Our Key Bills page will keep you updated on the latest legislative assaults on our freedoms as well as the occasional opportunity to strengthen our liberties here in Colorado. Wondering who represents you at the Capitol? Find your State Representative here. Find your State Senator here.

Don't Tase Me, Boulder: A Public Forum on Tasers
When: Wednesday, January 27, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Where: Wolf Law Building Rm 204, CU Boulder

The Boulder County Chapter invites you to a FREE panel discussion on the truth about Tasers. ACLU Legal Director Mark Silverstein, Attorney Mike Thompson and a third panelist will discuss the policies, myths and facts surrounding Tasers, as well as taking audience questions. Thomson represents the mother of Ryan Wilson, a young man who died after being Tasered by the Lafayette Police in 2007. You can also learn more about the ACLU of Colorado's previous work on Tasers and police department's use of the devices. Questions contact Joh Blumenthal (303) 807-2142 or by email, Johanna.Blumenthal@gmail.com.

Open Records Act Training
When: Wednesday, February 3 from 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Where: Gill Foundation, 2215 Market St, Denver

Colorado's open records can be a powerful tool for community organizers and advocates. ACLU staff attorney Taylor Pendergrass will conduct an in-depth training on Colorado's open record laws specifically designed for organizers and advocates. The training will include the following topics: 1) Requirements, deadlines, and exemptions under Colorado's open records laws; 2) How to best use open records laws; 3) What to do if a request for records is denied, ignored...or looks like the picture on the right. This training costs $10 (no one turned away for lack of funds) Space is limited to 30 participants. Please RSVP to Alison May at amay@aclu-co.org with "Open Records Act Training" in the subject line.

Annual Member Meeting with Steve Shapiro
When: Saturday, February 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Where: Room 165, DU Sturm College of Law, 2255 E. Evans Ave, Denver

Don't miss a great opportunity to meet fellow civil libertarians from all across Colorado. In addition to updates from ACLU staff, the evening's keynote speaker will be Steven Shapiro, National Legal Director of the ACLU.
He and his staff maintain a docket of civil liberties cases around the country. Shapiro has appeared on more than 200 ACLU briefs submitted to the US Supreme Court. He will discuss the cases currently in litigation, as well as his take on the state of civil liberties one year into the Obama administration.

Tickets are available for $25, $15 for students. 1 CLE credit available for $15, but FREE for young attorneys (first 5 years after the bar). Beverages and light dinner buffet included. $5 parking is available in the adjacent garage. Please RSVP to Alison May at amay@aclu-co.org