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The ACLU of Virginia has significant concerns that the fencing erected around the Lee Monument grounds is unnecessarily infringing on the public’s First Amendment rights while these legal battles play out in the courtroom.
Today, we and Marijuana Justice, along with 23 other organizations, sent a letter to Governor of Virginia Ralph Northam and Virginia lawmakers, laying out five criteria for marijuana legalization that will center racial equity and the people and communities most impacted by the War on Drugs.
The following statement can be attributed to Claire Gastañaga, executive director of the ACLU of Virginia:
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia State Senate passed Senate Bill 1165, a death penalty repeal bill, this afternoon. The House Committee on Courts of Justice also voted to advance the bill this morning. The bill is expected to advance quickly to a full vote in the house.
The ACLU of Virginia joined a group of criminal legal reform organizations to send a letter to the Virginia House of Delegates' Appropriations Committee regarding Del. Patrick Hope's HB 2325, which would create independent oversight of the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC).
The court dismissed the lawsuit to hold police accountable for violating protesters' rights, denying the protesters a trial on this matter.