News Releases

SEATTLE - Today, a group of substance abuse prevention and treatment professionals and public health advocates, in collaboration with the ACLU of Washington, submitted recommendations for marijuana rulemaking to the state Liquor Control Board.  Initiative 502, passed by Washington voters last November, requires the board to finalize regulations governing marijuana production and distribution by December 1. The deadline for the public to submit input on the drafting of rules for producer licenses is March 15.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit will hear oral argument in a lawsuit to uphold Working Washington’s free speech rights on light rail trains. The case will is being heard today, Friday, March 8 at the U.S. Courthouse in Seattle (1010 Fifth Ave., 7th floor). The ACLU of Washington is representing Working Washington in the suit.

The Washington Voting Rights Act (WVRA), HB 1413, today passed the Washington House of Representatives by a vote of  53-44. Sponsored by Representative Luis Moscoso and Senator Sharon Nelson, the bill is designed to ensure fair representation and accountability in local governments throughout the state.

The ACLU of Washington and ACLU affiliates in 23 other states today simultaneously filed public records requests to determine the extent to which local police departments are using federally subsidized military technology and tactics that are traditionally used overseas.

The ACLU of Washington believes that everyone in our state has the right to receive health care that is not restricted by the religious beliefs of others. As more and more hospitals merge with religiously affiliated hospitals, the ACLU is concerned that reproductive health care, end-of-life services, and services to LGBT individuals are being limited based on religious doctrine.

Seattle businesswoman Jean Robinson has been chosen to serve as President of the Board of Directors of the ACLU of Washington.  As the state affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, the non-profit organization defends and advocates for civil liberties throughout Washington.  The ACLU-WA has more than 20,000 members statewide and is the third-largest state branch of the ACLU.  

The Washington Voting Rights Act (WVRA) – HB 1413, a bill designed to ensure fair representation in local governments throughout the state, has been introduced in the 2013 Washington Legislature. Sponsored by Representative Luis Moscoso and Senator Sharon Nelson, the measure will have a hearing on Wednesday, January 30 at 1:30 pm in the House Government Operations and Elections Committee.

January 23 - Update:  The jury today reached a verdict and ruled in favor of the City of Tacoma.  No decision has been made yet as to whether to appeal the case. Suit Says Police Actions Aimed to Prevent Peaceful Protest The ACLU-WA is representing six citizens who are suing over violations of their rights to free speech and assembly by police at anti-war demonstrations at the Port of Tacoma. A jury trial in the case began in federal district court in Tacoma on January 7.

Passed by Washington’s voters with an 11-point margin, Initiative 502 went into effect on December 6. The measure is an historic step in reforming our state’s marijuana policies and its criminal justice system. Adults no longer are subject to arrest for possessing small amounts of marijuana for personal use under state law.

At a press conference in the State Capitol, family members of murder victims talked about why the death penalty does not meet their needs. They urged passage of legislation to replace the death penalty in Washington with life in prison without parole.