2013 November

11.26.13

Civil Liberties and the Holidays

Nick Worner

Our nation’s founders understood that true religious liberty can only flourish when the government remains neutral on matters of faith.

With this in mind, people often have questions during the holiday season about the constitutionality of various celebrations going in their towns or schools.

11.25.13

Media Roundup » Week of 11/16/13

Nick Worner

• Downtown Cincinnati panhandlers a growing presence – Cincinnati Enquirer, 11/15
• The Senate votes to end employment discrimination against gays; now the House must take up the cause – Plain Dealer, 11/17
• Another Ohio prison inmate commits suicide – AP, 11/18
• Arguments to ricochet as gun bill is debated – Columbus Dispatch, 11/18
• Supreme Court upholds firing of teacher in religious-symbols case – Columbus Dispatch, 11/19
• ‘Stand Your Ground’ Gun Bill Clears Hurdle At Ohio Statehouse – 10TV, 11/19
• Panhandling as public speech – Akron Beacon Journal, 11/19
• Next Stop On The Road To Surveillance State: License Plate Scanners – Huffington Post, 11/20
• Right to vote – Toledo Blade, 11/21/13
• State audit of JobsOhio doesn’t find conflict-of-interest problems, but recommends bolstering safeguards – Cleveland.com, 11/21
• Ohio Man Faces Felony Drug Charges for Empty “Hidden Compartment,” Even Though He Had No Drugs – Opposing Views, 11/21
• Ohio to close another juvenile prison – Dayton Daily News, 11/21
• Humans shipped across the country!: How America exports inmates to private prisons – Salon.com, 11/22
• Ohio’s election reforms should not include photo ID requirement or major cuts to early voting – Cleveland.com, 11/22

11.16.13

Media Roundup » 11/01/13 through 11/15/13

Nick Worner

• Supreme Court to hear new case on religion in public life – Washington Post, 11/1
• Voter ID law snags former House Speaker Jim Wright – Fort Worth Star Telegram, 11/2
• Commentary: Timing an issue for Republicans pushing minor party bill – Dix Capital Bureau, 11/4
• Coal Baron and Major Ken Cuccinelli Campaign Donor Sues Blogger for Defamation, Invasion of Privacy – Desmogblog, 11/3
• JobsOhio case may limit how laws can be fought – Columbus Dispatch, 11/4
• Portman votes to advance bill protecting gays at work – Gannett, 11/5
• 26,000 people have your picture in Ohio – WKYC, 11/5
• State continues to ponder Conneaut prison training facility – Ashtabula Star Beacon, 11/6
• Ohio legislature passes new ballot-access rules for minor political parties; Libertarians promise lawsuit – Cleveland.com, 11/6
• Complaint claims prayer led to Muslims’ firing from DHL – Cincinnati Enquirer, 11/7
• Supreme Court considering letting average citizen sue for law changes – Dix Capital Bureau, 11/7
• 9 women block street near Cleveland intersection to protest Republicans in Congress they say are holding up immigration reform – Plain Dealer, 11/7
• U.S.

11.05.13

Standing on the Side of Justice

Nick Worner

On Saturday, November 2, 2013, a coalition of faith groups, unions, professional associations, community groups, and rights organizations (including the ACLU of Ohio) held a rally at the Ohio Statehouse.

Visit our Facebook album for pictures from the rally.

At this rally, we called on Ohio lawmakers to halt the death penalty, end the war on drugs and the epidemic of mass incarceration, break the many reentry barriers for the formerly incarcerated, and put a stop to “stand your ground” proposals in Ohio.

11.02.13

Giving a Voice to Those Impacted by the War on Drugs

Shakyra Diaz

Last week, I attended the Drug Policy Alliance’s International Drug Policy Reform Conference held in Denver, Colorado. The Drug Policy Alliance and its talented staff did a masterful job of putting together a conference that gave a voice to many people impacted by the War on Drugs while highlighting the multitude of reasons why this destructive war must end.

11.02.13

Media Roundup » Week of 11/01/13

Nick Worner

• Panel recommends Mike DeWine restrict access to facial recognition software on state’s crime data system – Cleveland.com, 10/26
• Republican’s absentee-ballot bill for Ohio criticized – Columbus Dispatch, 10/2
• Licking County voters riled by cut in polling places – Columbus Dispatch, 10/28
• Ohio: Child killer to get untried 2-drug injection – Associated Press, 10/28
• There’s still a need for public input – Canton Repository, 10/28/13
• Texas court ruling won’t have an immediate impact on Ohio’s abortion laws, both sides say – Cleveland.com, 10/29
• Minor Parties Unite Against GOP-Driven Ballot Restrictions – 10TV, 10/29
• Legislator’s “pro drone” aircraft bill would limit use by law enforcement without a warrant – Cleveland.com, 10/29
• After struggle, committee approves minority parties bill – Columbus Dispatch, 10/30
• Audit: Private Prison Retains Increased Levels of Violence – Cincinnati CityBeat, 10/30
• Ohio’s self-defense law doesn’t need fixing, officials say – Columbus Dispatch, 10/30
• Cuyahoga County and the state are served better by keeping felons close to home – Cleveland.com, 10/30
• Ohio Lawmakers Debate Series Of Gun Laws – 10TV, 10/30
• Cleveland police union files grievance to contest discipline of officers involved in fatal Nov.