News & Commentary

In the past week, anti-abortion laws in both Texas and Louisiana have gained ground. After the passage and implementation of HB 2, Texas became one of the most anti-abortion states in the nation. A provision of HB 2 - one involving doctors' hospital admitting privileges - was struck down this past November by US District Judge Lee Yeakel, who determined that the requirement placed an unconstitutional burden on women seeking abortions. Last Thursday, the US Court of Appeals in New Orleans reversed Yeakel's decision, upholding the burdensome regulations. In Louisiana, the House passed HB 388, yet another bill imposing strict regulations on physician admitting privileges. Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers bills of this type have been closing clinics all across the country, all under the guise of "women's safety." 

Yesterday, Zach, Rachel and I joined Oami in Augusta to speak to our lawmakers about three important bills that will likely be voted on this week.

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.