Federal court hears arguments in ACLU challenge to Trump’s ban on military service by transgender people

BALTIMORE — The American Civil Liberties Union was in federal court today for a hearing in its lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s ban on military service by transgender individuals. The court heard arguments on the ACLU’s motion for a preliminary injunction that would immediately halt all aspects of the ban. “Today was another step on…

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ACLU: DOJ anti-LGBT guidance ‘isn’t consistent with religious freedom’

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Justice Friday issued guidance to federal agencies encouraging a dangerously broad interpretation of religious freedom laws that will open the door to discrimination against LGBT people, women, and religious minorities. The guidance is a follow-up to President Trump’s May executive order that signaled an intent to expand religious exemptions….

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National ad challenging adoption discrimination laws rejected by Fox News as ‘too powerful’

WASHINGTON, D.C.— As the American Civil Liberties Union announced the filing of a landmark lawsuit challenging LGBT adoption discrimination practices in Michigan, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) unveiled a national ad and policy report underscoring the potential dangers that adoption-related religious exemption laws pose to children. The “Kids Pay the Price” ad, released in partnership…

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ACLU challenges discrimination in Michigan’s foster care system

DETROIT — The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Michigan today filed a lawsuit in federal district court challenging Michigan’s practice of permitting state-contracted child placement agencies to reject qualified same-sex couples based on the agencies’ religious beliefs. The lawsuit was filed against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan…

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ACLU seeks immediate halt to Trump’s transgender service member ban

BALTIMORE — The American Civil Liberties Union and the law firm Covington & Burling LLP today asked a judge to immediately halt to the Trump administration’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the U.S. military while their lawsuit challenging the ban moves through the court system. The motion for preliminary injunction was filed on behalf…

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Supreme Court to take up case about cake shop refusing service to same-sex couple

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court today announced it will review a decision from the Colorado Court of Appeals that found that a cake shop discriminated against a same-sex couple by refusing to sell them a wedding cake. In 2012, Colorado residents David Mullins and Charlie Craig visited Masterpiece Cakeshop to order a wedding cake. Mullins and…

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ACLU holds off on litigation over ‘Religious Freedom’ executive order

NEW YORK — After careful review of the executive order covering the Johnson Amendment signed by President Trump yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union has determined not to file a lawsuit at this time. American Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Anthony D. Romero issued the following statement: “Today’s executive order signing was an elaborate photo-op…

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ACLU releases report on Trump’s 100 days

WASHINGTON — The American Civil Liberties Union today released a report on the civil rights and civil liberties record of the first 100 days of the Trump administration. These include the unconstitutional Muslim ban, the failed Affordable Care Act repeal, and the repeated attacks on LGBT rights. The organization also published a day-by-day accounting of the…

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