Press Releases
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND FREE SPEECH BALANCED IN TULSA
10.28.08
Press Release
October 27, 2008
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND FREE SPEECH BALANCED IN TULSA
A group with a history of blocking the entrance to an abortion and reproductive health clinic in Tulsa announced its plan to protest at the clinic again on October 18. The management of the clinic, Reproductive Services, voiced its concern to the Tulsa Police Department that the protesters would block its entrance by parading on the sidewalk across the facility’s driveway. The Tulsa police, citing potential liability for restricting freedom of speech and assembly, expressed reluctance to limit the movement of the protesters across the driveway.
The director of the clinic contacted Rex Friend, a cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Oklahoma. Friend, a lawyer well-versed and experienced in protecting the rights of protesters, received guidance from the state ACLU office and the ACLU National Reproductive Freedom Project. He then provided case law to the clinic, and the material was provided to the Tulsa police.
As a result of clarifying the rights of the protesters balanced with the rights of clients to access the clinic, the demonstration occurred as planned with one exception. The protesters did not attempt to block the clinic’s driveway and the police were present to insure that the More >
Shelton to receive Angie Debo Award
9.22.08
Press Release
9/22/2008
District 97 Representative picked by the ACLU for prestigious distinction
Oklahoma City, OK – The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma would like to congratulate District 97 Representative Mike Shelton as the recipient of the Angie Debo Civil Liberties Award, to be presented November 8, at the ACLU Bill of Rights Banquet. Named for the late Dr. Angie Debo, a noted educator, author, and activist, the award is given annually to an individual whose actions during the year or throughout a lifetime have helped to preserve individual freedom in Oklahoma.
Former felon’s voting rights questioned
9.12.08
Press Release
9/12/2008
ACLU of Oklahoma to have press conference regarding inappropriate communication from county election boards
Oklahoma City – The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma will speak to the media on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. about the disenfranchisement of voting rights for former felons. The deadline to register for the presidential election is Oct. 10, making this issue even timelier.
After a felon has completed their time served and restitution, they are free to register again and vote. A large number of county election boards involved in a 2005 survey conducted by the ACLU of Oklahoma gave incorrect information about the voting rights of former felons. This misinformation ranged from having no documents discussing the voting process of these members of society, to stating that former felons never regained the right to vote.
The ACLU of Oklahoma believes a functioning democracy must be properly educated on its rights, and former felons are a part of our democracy.
The press conference will be at the ACLU of Oklahoma conference room, 3000 Paseo Drive in Oklahoma City. Please contact Katy Jones if attending.
The ACLU of Oklahoma praises Henry for clemency grant
7.30.08
Press Release
7/30/08
Oklahoma City, OK — The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma’s Anti-Death Penalty Project (ADPP) commends Governor Brad Henry for granting clemency to Kevin Young. Young was sentenced to die in Oklahoma County for the murder of Joseph Sutton in May of 1996. The Pardon and Parole Board recommended clemency on June 9, and on July 24, Henry bravely commuted Young’s death sentence to life without parole. It is only his second time to grant clemency since taking office. The members of the ACLU of Oklahoma’s ADPP believe this is a step in the right direction for abolishing the death penalty in Oklahoma.
Members of the ADPP were present when the Pardon and Parole Board made the decision to grant clemency for Young. Four jurors that originally sentenced Young to die pleaded to the Board to grant him clemency. Young’s family explained how he was an asset in their lives by teaching the children in their family that living a life of crime will lead to life in prison. Due to Oklahoma laws, Young was not able to appear in person at his hearing but was able to testify via television. He said he was truly sorry to Sutton’s family More >
