News & Commentary

100 years ago today marks the birthday of progressive Maine Governor and Senator Edmund Muskie.  While Muskie is perhaps most famous for ushering in some of our nation's most important environmental laws, he was also a passionate advocate for civil rights. 

What do the Civil Rights Act, reproductive freedom and suffragists from Maine have in common? They're all featured in the latest edition of our newsletter! Download it here.

Yesterday, The Supreme Court heard approximately 90 minutes of arguments in the combined "contraceptive mandate" cases, Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc and Conestoga Wood Specialities Corp. vs. Sebelius. Two for-profit, private businesses, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialities, were given the chance to justify their claim that their businesses should be exempted from the ACA's mandate addressing these cases, it’s important to note that the federal government makes an allowances for religious groups and institutions – they are not asked to provide health insurance plans with no-cost contraceptive coverage. The federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), passed by Congress in 1993, made space for these exemptions. Because of RFRA, religious institutions cannot be forced to comply with federal laws that would substantially burden their religious practices. While the CEOs of Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Woods both profess a profound attachment to their religions, neither of their businesses are religious organizations. These cases bring to light two main questions. Can a private, profit-making corporation “exercise” religion? And, if they can exercise religion, can they be protected from government interference? Several different issues are wrapped up in these questions – corporate personhood; reproductive rights; and freedom to exercise religion. 

UPDATE: On Wednesday, we learned that Rep. Pingree will continue her support as a sponsor of the Youth PROMISE Act! Join us in thanking her.

March is Women’s History Month! We're celebrating some of our favorite champions, from Maine and away.

Last year the ACLU released a groundbreaking report that chronicled in remarkable detail the vast racial injustices that persist throughout the United States with respect to enforcement of marijuana laws. It was not a pretty picture, but it was a story that had to be told.

March is Women’s History Month! We're celebrating some of our favorite champions, from Maine and away.

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