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IN MEMORIAM 2008

THE DEATH PENALTY-TORTURE REFINED?

RESTORATION OF THE ANTI-DEATH PENALTY PROJECT

 

 

 

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ACLU of Oklahoma to open hotline for voters (10/31/08)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: katyj@acluok.org

A special hotline for Oklahomans who have any issues at their polling places this election day will be open Monday, November 3, and Tuesday, November 4, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. By calling 405-524-2296 on those days, voters will be put in direct contact with an American Civil Liberties Union representative to assist them.

The ACLU has the following tips for avoiding problems at the poll:

1.         Check your voter registration status as soon as possible.
2.         Vote before Election Day if you can.
3.         Locate your polling place before Election Day.
4.         Plan ahead if you need special assistance.
5.         Don’t wear political attire to the polls.
6.         Bring some form of identification if you have it.
7.         Vote early in the day.
8.         Follow all instructions.
9.         Ask for help if you need it.
10.       Take your time.

Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Michael Clingman said the rule about political attire is in place as a courtesy to other voters.

“We do not necessarily turn voters in political shirts away,” Clingman said. “But, they are usually asked to cover up or take their button off.”

Clingman added that all Oklahoma counties are advised similarly in regards to regulating political garb.

Again, with any Election Day questions or concerns, please contact the ACLU of Oklahoma at 405-524-2296.

 

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 protestors 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 protestors 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 protestors, 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 rights of all parties were not infringed. Both free speech and reproductive freedom were protected as a result of this compromise.

 

Shelton to receive Angie Debo Award (9/22/2008)
District 97 Representative picked by the ACLU for prestigious distinction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  katyj@acluok.org

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 (9/12/2008)
ACLU of Oklahoma to have press conference regarding inappropriate communication from county election boards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
katyj@acluok.org

 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)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       
Contact: (918) 541-5367 or mattwhalen1@gmail.com

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 for any pain he had caused them. He also said choosing to rob the steak house was the worst decision of his life, and he fired his weapon after he was shot in the abdomen, therefore, he couldn't say if he shot Sutton or his accomplice did.

The ADPP is committed to abolishing the death penalty in Oklahoma. This is done through continuing public education, lobbying efforts, and litigation. In the United States, a staggering 129 people have been exonerated for crimes they did not commit, eight in Oklahoma. For more information, visit http://www.acluok.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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