Communications's blog

Prisoners' Legal Services and ACLU of Massachusetts successfully challenge unconstitutional conditions of confinement.

We're giving away free tickets to "Dirty Wars," (while supplies last!) opening tonight at Kendall Cinema in Cambridge. Test your knowledge, or purchase your tickets for a guaranteed seat. Kade Crockford, director of the Technology for Liberty program, will be hosting a Q&A after the screening. -RR

"What kind of house does a man who has lived in a six-foot-by-nine-foot cell for over 30 years dream of?" The documentary "Herman’s House" explores solitary confinement and the friendship between a New York artist and Herman Joshua Wallace, one of America’s most famous inmates, as they collaborate on an acclaimed art project. The Brattle Theatre is screening the film on Monday, June 17, and filmmaker Angad Bhalia will be leading a post-screening Q&A. -RR

"I am today an out lesbian...who just sued the United States of America," said ACLU client Edie Windsor when the Supreme Court heard arguments in her challenge to the so-called Defense of Marriage Act in March. Any day now, we'll know whether she — and in effect, the 130,000 married gay and lesbian couples in the nation — won and whether DOMA will be struck down for good. Stay tuned for the latest updates. -RR

Surveillance is a racial justice issue. Muslim, immigrant, black and Latino communities have all experienced "preemptive surveillance" in the so-called wars on drugs and terror, writes Colorlines. -RR

Nearly 60% percent of transgender residents in Massachusetts report being harassed in public places. Yet, state non-discrimination law doesn't protect them in public accommodations like hotels, restaurants, buses and hospitals. Tell your legislators to pass the Equal Access Bill. -RR

CO = Christopher Ott, ACLUm Communications Director
RR = Raquel Ronzone, ACLUm Communications Content Specialist

Freedom is more fun!

What creative, provocative, controversial forms of First Amendment expression--and other fun uses of freedom--are we missing? Tell us now.

In advance of Sunday debate between Gomez and Markey, civil liberties group calls on Senators and Senate candidates to restore checks & balances.

Unanimous ruling represents major shift in patent law. Lisbeth Ceriani, a breast cancer survivor from Newton, Mass., joined lawsuit challenging patents held by Myriad genetics.

There's still a long road for LGBT equality throughout the county, and Pride is the time to remember it. Head to Boston Common on Friday night for the Boston Dyke March, and join the ACLU of Massachusetts on Saturday for Boston Pride. Free. -RR

Covert wars and a government's "kill list" are brought to light in "Dirty Wars," a documentary that follows investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill into Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen and beyond. Revisit Scahill's discussion with Noam Chomsky and Amy Goodman on the topic, and see the film next weekend at Kendall Square Cinema. $9-11. -RR

The first recorded American woman to retain her last name after marrying was also the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree. Learn more about antislavery and women's rights advocate Lucy Stone at the Unconventional Women Walking Tour at Forest Hills Cemetery. Sunday, June 9. $10. -RR

What could you do with an extra $431,360? Given the gender pay gap, that's how much more men earn over an average 40-year career — enough money to buy 14 cars. Mark Monday's 50th anniversary of the signing of the Equal Pay Act by asking your legislators to co-sponsor the Paycheck Fairness Act.

CO = Christopher Ott, ACLUm Communications Director
RR = Raquel Ronzone, ACLUm Communications Content Specialist

Freedom is more fun!

What creative, provocative, controversial forms of First Amendment expression--and other fun uses of freedom--are we missing? Tell us now.