Civil Rights / Public News Service

A bill before the New Mexico Legislature would add gender to the list of protected classes in the state Human Rights Act enacted in 1969. (Dmitry/AdobeStock)

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

NM Legislation Would Boost Protections for LGBTQ Students, Others

Legislation to close a loophole that potentially allows discrimination against LGBTQ New Mexicans will be debated by the State Legislature this sessio…

Callers to the newly launched Abortion Legal Hotline at 833-309-6301 can leave specific call-back or messaging instructions and someone will call or message that person back within two to three business days to gather information about the caller's legal questions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

MA Launches Free Legal Advice Hotline Regarding Abortion Care

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has announced the launch of a new hotline for abortion-care providers and people seeking confidential lega…

Facial-recognition technology companies, which originally partnered with law enforcement, are now working with schools and universities to increase safety and prevent shootings by denying campus access to people who have been banned, or to monitor activity inside school buildings. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 30, 2023

MA Bill Would Tighten Restrictions on Facial Recognition Technology

Lawmakers in the Commonwealth are considering legislation to ensure police use of facial-recognition technology also protects people's privacy and civ…

Since the 2020 election, GOP-led states have enacted 102 new election penalties, according to an analysis by States Newsroom and the Voting Rights Lab. (niyazz/AdobeStock)

TX Lawmakers Consider Bills to Restrict, Expand Voting in 2023 Session

By nearly every measure, voter fraud in U.S. elections is rare, but that isn't stopping the Texas Legislature from considering dozens of bills this …

According to a University of Minnesota study, transgender women, trans-feminine and visibly gender-nonconforming riders report higher incidences of discrimination and violence when using public transportation. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Partner for 'Safer, More Inclusive' Ride-Share Option

An Arizona LGBTQ+ group has established a partnership with Waymo, the autonomous-driving tech company, to provide what it said will be a safer …

The U.S. District Court of New Hampshire recently ruled in favor of allowing a lawsuit brought by the ACLU of New Hampshire and teachers' unions against the

NH Businesses, Public School Backers: Repeal 'Divisive Concepts' Law

Advocates for public education in New Hampshire are asking state lawmakers to repeal what's known as the "divisive concepts" law, which educators say …

According to a VoteCast survey for the Associated Press, 44% of 94,000 voters said the future of democracy was their primary consideration in the last election. (Adobe Stock)

Enhancing Trust in Arizona Elections Post-2022 Midterms

Election watchdog groups are taking a closer look at the 2022 midterms and how they influenced voters' overall trust in the election process in Arizon…

Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation dubbed the

AP African American Studies Course Blocked in FL Schools

The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has rejected plans to expand an Advanced Placement African American Studies course for high schools…

Last fall, the American Library Association said the number of attempts to ban or restrict library resources in schools, universities and public libraries was on track to exceed record counts from 2021. (Adobe Stock)

ND Enters Fray Surrounding Content Ban for Libraries

North Dakota is expected to see continued debate in the coming weeks over a plan to ban certain items from public libraries. While the plan has its …

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction was recently awarded $17 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education to help address student mental health needs. (Adobe Stock)

Foundation Funds Grassroots Efforts to Curb NC Racial Disparities

Following the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - honored today for his civil rights work - one organization in North Carolina is finding ways …

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation launched the

National Day of Racial Healing Means Weeklong Events for AR

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s holiday, and tomorrow is the seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing. It's a call to action for racial …

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation will host its seventh annual National Day of Racial Healing on Tuesday. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day in which many across the country celebrate the revolutionary words and thoughts of the civil rights …

According to Tabron, The National Day of Racial Healing is centered around experiences in truth-telling. (Adobe Stock)

UT Events Highlight National Day of Racial Healing

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day in which many across the country celebrate the revolutionary words and thoughts of the civil rights …

A Poor People's Campaign report examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic found the 300+ counties with the highest death rates have a poverty rate of 45%, which is 1.5 times higher than in counties with lower death rates. (PPC)

Advancing MLK’s Dream of Economic Justice in MA

Advocates for low-income workers in the Commonwealth said today is a reminder of the need to continue to advance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream …

One of Sen. Anthony Kern's bills also sets more specific zoning requirements where drag shows can take place. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Senators Aim to Restrict Drag Shows with New Bills

Two Republican Arizona state senators have kicked off the new legislative session wanting to limit and restrict drag shows. State Sen. Anthony Kern…

One of the provisions in a proposed Minnesota bill to restore driving privileges to undocumented people is data protection, so that agencies wouldn't be able to share a person's immigration status. (Adobe Stock)

MN Debates Drivers' Licenses for Undocumented People

It's been two decades since Minnesota stopped allowing undocumented people to apply for a driver's license. But there's renewed momentum in the …

New Mexico has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2003. (LeonardoBorges/AdobeStock)

Equality NM Celebrates 30 Years of Transformation for LGBTQ+ Community

Equality New Mexico will advocate for new LGBTQ protections during this year's legislative session as it celebrates 30 years as a leading advocacy org…

Midterm voter turnout declined in Ohio from around 55% in 2018 to around 51.1% in 2022, according to data from the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. (Adobe Stock)">

Ohio Governor Signs Citizenship-Status Voter ID Bill

In a few months, Ohio voters will no longer be allowed to vote with utility bills or other non-photo documents as proof of identification, when a new …

Legislators are expected to introduce bills in the upcoming session to ban pretextual stops and consent searches. (Dusanpetkovic1/Adobestock)

Data on CA Police Stops Confirms Continuing Racial Disparities

Black teenagers ages 15 to 17 are six times more likely to be searched by police compared with their white counterparts, according to a report from …

Last March, Wyoming lawmakers passed a law that would ban abortions in most cases if the U.S. Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which the high court did in June. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Supreme Court Sends Suit Over Abortion Ban Back to District

The Wyoming Supreme Court has decided it will not weigh in on a lawsuit that has temporarily halted a ban on abortions in the state. Citing a state …

Senate Bill 1277 in the Pennsylvania General Assembly would require parental notification of content and materials that expose students to sexually explicit content in schools. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Group Advocates for Inclusive Schools in Keystone State

A Pennsylvania group has responded to what it says are "discriminatory policy proposals in the state education system" by launching the "Inclusive Sch…

According to the Giffords Law Center, guns are the leading cause of death for Americans under age 18. (Adobe Stock)

A Decade after Sandy Hook, Assault-Weapons Ban Demands Continue

On the ten-year anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a local organization is still working to see a national assault-weapons …

Consumer advocates say the power-wheelchair market is dominated by two national suppliers, both of which are owned by private equity firms, able to increase profits by limiting what they spend on technicians and repairs. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MA Lawmakers Urged to Strengthen Wheelchair Warranty Protections

Advocates for people with disabilities say lawmakers in the Commonwealth must strengthen wheelchair warranty protections to ensure wheelchair users ar…

According to the Georgia Secretary of State, within the state's 159 counties, over 3.5 million ballots were cast in the U.S. Senate runoff this month. (Richelle/Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Decision Could Affect Future GA Elections

A Georgia group said the outcome of Moore v. Harper in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court has potential consequences for future elections in the …

A bill approved by Congress repeals the federal Defense of Marriage Act. That law, passed in 1996, prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. (Adobe Stock)

WI Attorney: Bill Underscores Legal Needs of Same-Sex Marriages

Congress has signed off on a bill that preserves federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. A legal expert in Wisconsin says it …

Turnout for local Seattle elections is about half the turnout for federal elections in even-numbered years. (Alcorn Imagery/Adobe Stock)

Voter-Approved Democracy Reforms Changing WA Elections

Democracy reforms got the seal of approval from many Washington state voters this November. While some changes were big, others were subtle but …

The Respect for Marriage Act will not force states to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but they would be required to recognize marriages performed in other states that issue valid licenses. (Mario/Adobe Stock)

NM's LGBTQ Advocates Await Final Passage of Respect for Marriage Act

New Mexico's LGBTQ community is celebrating passage of the "Respect for Marriage Act" by the U.S. Senate - but also surprised it came about so …

Nearly 60% of Portland voters approved changes to the structure of the city's government in the November election. (David Gn/Adobe Stock)

Democracy Gets Voter-Approved Overhaul in OR

Reforms to elections and democracy are coming to Oregon in a big way in the wake of November's election. Portland voters have approved a major …

According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2017, some 95% of Georgia counties had no clinics that provided abortions, and 55% of Georgia women lived in those counties. (Longfin Media/Adobe Stock)

Georgia Supreme Court Reinstates 6-Week Abortion Ban

The Georgia Supreme Court granted an emergency stay of a lower court's ruling, once again allowing a six-week abortion ban to take effect in Georgia …

South Dakota's LGBTQ population is roughly 25,000 people, but advocates say harmful rhetoric in the current political climate prevents some community members from being open about their gender or sexual identity. (Adobe Stock)

SD LGBTQ Voices on Colorado Shooting: 'It's a Thin Line'

The LGBTQ community continues to mourn those killed at a shooting at a Colorado nightclub over the weekend. In South Dakota, advocates said such …

Google launched its tracking software in 2005 as part of Google Analytics. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa to Collect $6 Million Over Google Location-Tracking Practices

Iowa will collect more than $6 million from Google over the internet giant's location-tracking practices. The settlement is part of a multi-state…

By 3 a.m. on Wednesday, 95% of the votes had been counted in Pima County, according to the county recorder's office. Due to ballot irregularities, tabulation will likely continue for a number of days. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona Election Results Will Be Crucial, and Take Time

Votes in Arizona are still being counted two days post-election, and several close races are still to be called. Arizonans will not only ultimately …

The Ohio Supreme Court could lose its power to review factors used in setting bail if Issue 1 is passed by voters. (Adobe Stock)

Issue 1 Puts Public Safety, Bail Before Ohio Voters

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment are putting public safety on Ohio's ballot this Election Day. Issue 1 came about after the Ohio …

Two in five U.S. voters say they are worried about threats of violence or voter intimidation at polling stations during the midterm election, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. (Adobe Stock)

WV Groups Warn Election Scare Tactics, Threats Weaken Voter Power

The risk of voter intimidation and political violence has increased since 2020, according to research from the Brennan Center for Justice. Two in …

Grupos de WV advierten que amenazas debilitan el poder de los votantes

El riesgo de intimidación de votantes y violencia política ha aumentado desde 2020, según una investigación del Centro Brennan …

In Georgia, polls will be open on Election Day, Nov. 8, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Georgians are also required to show a valid photo ID when voting in person. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Last-Minute 'Get Out the Vote' Efforts in Georgia

The last-minute push for voter education is even more urgent in Georgia today. According to the Georgia Secretary of State's website, more than 1.7 …

In Wisconsin, polling places are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Adobe Stock)

WI Voters Urged to Know Their Rights for Election Day

Heightened political tensions have hovered over this election season. For Wisconsinites headed to the polls tomorrow, voters' rights groups say …

A UNH Granite State Poll found 60% of Republicans support school vouchers, compared with 8% of Democrats and 42% of Independents. Only about 28% of

Election Outcome Could Bring Big Changes to NH Public Schools

Republicans in New Hampshire have already submitted bills to expand the eligibility requirements for the state's Education Freedom Accounts Program…

In examining two North Dakota tribal communities, a new data project says the average length voters have to travel to cast their ballot is 60 miles. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Advocates Say Numbers Don't Lie in Voting Barriers

Native Americans have long faced barriers when it comes to voting, and a new North Dakota data project adds another layer to the arguments for access …

Voting groups in Iowa say because the state now has a shorter window for early voting, there might be a busier scene at county auditor offices. They say that's why you should set aside enough time to cast your ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Early Voting Under Way in Iowa

The window for early voting in Iowa has been open for several days, and some are using this week to remind registered voters across the state to take …

This is the first election to be conducted under the new voter-ID rules in Missouri. (Adobe Stock)

No-Excuse Absentee Voting Under Way in Missouri

This Friday - October 28 - is Vote Early Day, and with early voting already under way in Missouri there's a few things to remember. Missourians can …

More than 80% of LGBTQ students said they felt unsafe at school last year, according to last week's annual report from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. (needjustice.org)

Many Fear LGBTQ+ Rights Are On the Midterm Ballot

In the past few years, the LGBTQ community has watched hard-won rights erode, and many fear the worst is yet to come, based on the outcome of the …

Pennsylvanians voting for the first time must provide proof of identification, such as a Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card. (Vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

It's Here: PA Voter Registration is Today

In Pennsylvania, today is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration before the November 8 midterm election. You have until …

A recent Marist poll predicts 71% of registered New York voters will head to the polls this November. Statewide, 15% plan to cast their ballots early, and 12% will vote by mail or absentee ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Early Voting Begins in NY; Big Turnout Predicted

Early voting begins in New York this week, with in-person early voting starting on Saturday, October 29. Early voting has been a popular option …

According to a 2021 report from Stop AAPI Hate, the state of New York had the second-highest percentage (15.7%) of anti-Asian hate-crime reports. California was the highest, at 38.1%. (Adobe Stock)

NY Groups Work to Address Rising Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

As Asian Americans continue to face discrimination and hate crimes, new funding could aid New York officials in reporting - and preventing - these …

According to The Pew Research Center, 46% of Americans say they would favor or strongly favor making it illegal for healthcare professionals to provide gender-affirming care to people under 18. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Anti-Transgender Laws Face Possible Legal Challenges

Arizona saw a record number of anti-transgender bills in the state legislature this year, aimed largely at youth, and those successfully passed are …

Oregonians decided to conduct their elections entirely by mail through an initiative passed in 1998. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Election's Near, Registration Deadline Here

The deadline to register to vote in Oregon is Tomorrow. Oregonians can register either in person, online before midnight or via the mail, which …

Arizona voters will be asked to make dozens of decisions when they fill out their ballots for the Nov. 8 midterm elections. (pathdoc/Adobe Stock)

LWV Guide Helps Familiarize Arizonans With Midterm Candidates, Issues

The midterm elections are only 30 days away, and early voting begins this Wednesday in most parts of Arizona. Voting advocates say now is the time to …

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