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:

  1. Making progress towards achieving a decolonized workspace and culture through a shift in language and centering indigenous sovereignty in internal and external work;
  2. Prioritizing and holding ourselves accountable to the organization’s values of anti-Black racism, equity, and racial justice education and reflection;
  3. Leading with race and centering those most directly impacted by racism and white supremacy in policy decisions, including but not limited to BIPOC/BIWOC communities, immigrants and refugees, people with varying abilities, LGBTQ communities, and people experiencing poverty or other socio-economic injustices.
Filter Legislation

CIVIL JUSTICE: Repeal Constitutionally Questionable 1862 Laws (SB 404) (2009)

Prior to the legislative session, ACLU agreed to represent an attorney who was threatened with being held in contempt of court under two laws first approved in 1862. ORS 20.160 and 20.170 provided that a plaintiff’s attorney can be held personally liable for a cost bill awarded against the attorney’s client if the client is an out-of-state resident.

September 9, 2009

Firefighters Fill the Boot (SB 1084) (2008)

One piece of unexpected legislation during this session was introduced by the Senate Majority leader on behalf of the firefighter’s union.  Concerned that they could no longer run their annual

May 13, 2009