Our policy team is a constant presence in Salem and local municipalities to pass bills that advance or defend civil liberties and civil rights, and to defeat those that do not. In addition to our mission to defend and advance civil liberties and civil rights, we are committed to:
Southern Oregon Chapter Questions Harsh Laws Targeting People Who Are Homeless
Oct. 13, 2008 -- The Southern Oregon Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon calls upon the City of Ashland to amend its “Prohibited Camping” ordinance from one that punishes poverty and homelessness into one that prods the city to provide housing for the homeless.
ACLU of Oregon Investigates Taser Use by Ashland Police -- and Issues a Call for Reform
Sept. 12, 2007 -- For more than a decade, the American Civil Liberties Union, at the national and affiliate level, has been concerned about the potential abuse and misuse of conducted energy devices (CEDs, also known as Tasers or stun-guns) by law enforcement.
On May 6, 2010 - The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve the latest "sit/lie" ordinance. ACLU will monitor its implementation.
In September 2007, Mayor Tom Potter chose not to renew Portland’s Drug and Prostitution Exclusion Zone ordinances.
New Rules Protect Death With Dignity and Medical Marijuana Acts
December 11, 2007 - As a result of ACLU of Oregon lobbying efforts with Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer has issued an executive order that specifically prohibits any police assistance with investigations or prosecutions for persons who are acting under the authority of Oregon’s Death with Dignity or Medical Marijuana acts.
In 2000, the ACLU of Oregon and our coalition partners began organizing to shed light on Portland’s involvement in the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force after Dan Handelman of Portland Copwatch noticed an item related to the JTTF on the City Council’s consent agenda.