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ACLU Argues That Patents on Breast Cancer Genes Are Unconstitutional and Invalid
Posted 2/5/10 - In the first hearing in federal court about the patentability of human genes, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT), a not-for-profit organization affiliated with Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, asked the court to rule that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer are unconstitutional and invalid. The groups charge that the patents stifle diagnostic testing and research that could lead to cures and that they limit women's options regarding their medical care.
Read more >>
Did You Miss Susan Herman's Visit? Photos and Video Now Available!
Posted 2/5/10 - National ACLU Board President Susan Herman was a huge hit during her visit to Utah last weekend, taking part as she did in a number of excellent events for ACLU members, as well as for the general public. You can catch up on her trip by following the links below:
See photos of State of the Union Luncheon >>
Read the Tribune article about the Luncheon >>
See photos of our "Film & Freedom" Reception >>
Watch the webcast of the Fordham Debate >>
Read the Deseret News article about the Debate >>
Bill Threatens Reproductive Choice in Utah: Act Now!
Posted 2/3/10 - HB 12, "Criminal Homicide and Abortion Amendments," passed out of the House of Representatives and is headed for a committee hearing in the Senate. Although the bill was modified in the House to provide some additional protections for women, the bill still remains a threat to reproductive choice in Utah.
Read more and take action >>
Bill Will Protect the Right of Utahns to Vote: Act Now!
Posted 2/3/10 - SB 53, "Voter Challenge Revisions,"
will strengthen confidence in
the right to vote.
It passed out of committee yesterday with a unanimous vote and is headed for debate on the Senate floor. Please contact your senator to let him or her know how important it is to support SB 53!
Read more and take action >>
Voter ID Proposal Would Protect Voting Rights of the Elderly
Posted 1/27/10 - HB 79 "Valid Voter Identification Amendments" would add Medicare cards to list of approved identification documents. ACLU of Utah Legislative and Policy Counsel, Marina Lowe, testified in support of the bill.
Read a Deseret News article about this bill >>
Should the Utah Government Decide How Pregnant Women Can Behave While Expecting ?
Posted 1/25/10 - Utah Rep. Carl Wimmer has introduced, HB 12, "Abortion Amendments," which actually has not much to do with abortion, but could potentially affect the thousands of Utah women and families who get pregnant every year.
Read more and take action >>
An Introduction to Some ACLU of Utah 2010 Legislative Priorities
Reproductive Freedom (PDF) >>
LGBT Equality (PDF) >>
Voting Rights (PDF) >>
Indigent Defense in Utah: Constitutionally Adequate?
Posted 1/4/10 - Utah ranks behind almost all other states in its provision of indigent defense. The state provides no funding for indigent defense; instead, Utah shifts the burden to each county creating a patchwork of models across the state. An article by ACLU Staff Attorney, Marina Lowe, published in The Utah State Bar Journal examines this problem.
Read the article (pdf)>>
Indigent Defense in Utah Ranked Almost Last in Nation
 Posted 12/8/09 - "Utah ranks first in the nation when it comes to literacy, volunteerism, Jell-O Consumption and birth rates. Unfortunately, Utah's ranking dips dramatically when it comes to providing for indigent defense." An article by ACLU Staff Attorney, Marina Lowe, published in The Defender, the journal of the Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Read the article (pdf) >>
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