I've decided to try an experiment here: A top-10 style rundown of the most interesting U.S. civil liberties news stories of the week, with links to more detailed content.
Love this idea? Hate this idea? Please let me know. Civil liberties is a complex topic, and I'm trying to figure out the best way to cover developing news stories. Your input will give me some indication as to whether or not I'm on the right track.
1. Bush Administration Vows to Honor Hamdan Ruling, Abide by Geneva Conventions
In a major victory for civil libertarians, the Bush administration has vowed to abide by the Supreme Court's plurality decision in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (2006) and treat all terrorist suspects and other unclassified "enemy combatants" in military custody in a manner consistent with Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions.See also: Hamdan v. Rumsfeld (2006)[/blockquote
2. U.S. House Renews Voting Rights Act
Civil rights groups have been concerned about recent conservative opposition to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, protecting minorities from voting disenfranchisement, which was slated to expire in 2007. In a delightful surprise, the House voted by an overwhelming 390-33 margin to renew the Act for another 25 years. The Senate will most likely pass the renewal without controversy.See also: House Votes to Renew 1965 Voting Rights Act[/blockquote
3. New York Supreme Court Declines to Rule in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage
An argument brought against the State of New York by a group of same-sex couples, who allege that the state's heterosexual-only marriage laws are discriminatory and violate the state constitution, was rejected by the New York Supreme Court. Some 53% of New Yorkers support legal gay marriage, and legislation granting marriage benefits to same-sex couples may be considered in 2007.See also: Top 10 States That May Soon Allow New Gay Marriage or Civil Unions[/blockquote
4. U.S. House Votes to Ban Internet Gambling
In a bizarre move, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to ban Internet gambling this week by an astonishing 317-93 margin. The bill, which has generated no substantial support in the Senate and is widely regarded as an election year ploy, is expected to die quietly in conference.See also: Prohibition, Here We Come[/blockquote
5. Human Rights Groups Condemn U.S. Prison System
In a 465-page report, a consortium of 120 U.S.-based human rights groups condemned the U.S. prison system. Among the report's findings: The United States makes up only 5% of the world's population, but 25% of the world's prison population.See also: Prisons at Center of Damning Report on U.S. Human Rights (OneWorld)[/blockquote
6. Michigan Abortion Ban Petition Fails
Abortion opponents in Michigan had petitioned to add a referendum to the November ballot calling for a ban on abortion, in hopes of drawing out evangelical voters to defeat Democratic incumbents (Governor) Jennifer Granholm and (Senator) Debbie Stabenow, but were unable to gather the necessary 317,000 signatures.See also: Michigan Anti-Choicers Lack Support for Abortion Ban (Feministing)[/blockquote
7. U.S. Senate Denies Funding for Confiscation of Legal Firearms
Following Hurricane Katrina, a police official in New Orleans ordered officers to confiscate all firearms. The measure, intended to cut down on violence, would have stripped many law-abiding citizens of their only means of self-defense. Yesterday, the Senate passed (84-16) a bill essentially banning Homeland Security officials from mass-confiscating legally owned firearms.See also: U.S. Senate Votes to Protect Second Amendment Rights During Emergencies (NRA)
8. Alaska Judge Rules Marijuana Legal for Home Use
Historically, Alaska has been the only U.S. state in which it is legal to possess small amounts of marijuana. The governor of Alaska campaigned for and ultimately signed a bill to change this policy and ban all marijuana possession, but an appeals judge has struck down the law on constitutional grounds. The case is now on its way to the Alaska Supreme Court.See also: Alaska Judge Rules Adults Can Use Marijuana in Home[/blockquote
9. Mentally Ill Death Penalty Volunteer May Be Given Opportunity to Appeal Case
The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a stay of execution for Mississippi convicted murderer Bobby Wilcher, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Last month, Wilcher ended appeals and expressed a desire to be executed quickly--but changed his mind days before the execution, stating that he does not want to die. The Court will decide whether to allow Wilcher to appeal in November.See also: Bobby Wilcher Granted a Stay by the Supreme Court (Amnesty International)[/blockquote
10. Wiccan Fired for Requesting Holiday Off
A Georgia insurance adjuster was harassed as a "devil worshipper" on the job for her Wiccan beliefs, then fired when she asked to take a religious holiday off. She is currently suing her former employer for discrimination.See also: Wiccan Requests Holiday Off, Gets Fired Instead[/blockquote
