Each Friday, we’ll bring you updates on the latest civil liberties news from Maine and the nation.

Macklemore has the ACLU card - do YOU?

Nothing like a celebrity in a leather jacket (found at a thrift shop perhaps?) to promote ACLU membership! If you have not already seen this video, check it out.

As part of his efforts to highlight the importance of civil liberties, Macklemore is also participating in an ACLU-sponsored contest. Participants are encouraged to enter to win tickets plus backstage passes to see Macklemore perform live in Seattle on December 12th. Details here. 

Hawaii Wins Marriage Equality, Illinois Next in Line

Starting on December 2, same-sex couples will have the right to marry under the law in Hawaii. This week, the Hawaii Senate voted 19 to 4 to legalize same-sex marriage, and Governor Neil Abercrombie signed the bill on Wednesday. "With today's vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law," President Obama, who was born in Hawaii, said in a statement Tuesday. 

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn plans to sign legislation on November 20 in his state. By June, when Illinois’ new law takes effect, more than 1 out of every 3 Americans will live in a state where same-sex marriage is legal.

Sentenced to Die Behind Bars for WHAT?

A new ACLU report details the disturbing trent of states sentencing people to spend the rest of their lives in prison without the possibility of parole. For 3,278 people, it was nonviolent offenses like stealing a $159 jacket or serving as a middleman in the sale of $10 of marijuana. An estimated 65% of them are Black. Many of them were struggling with mental illness, drug dependency or financial desperation when they committed their crimes. None of them will ever come home to their parents and children. And taxpayers are spending billions to keep them behind bars.