Tagged: aclu

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Almost 90 years after the Scopes "monkey trial," the state of Tennessee is close to enacting a law that critics say renews the attack on evolution.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said he’ll likely sign the bill, which would protect teachers who allow students to criticize evolution and other scientific theories, such as global warming.

The Tennessee Chapter of the American Civil Liberties is just one of several organizations speaking out against the measure. Director Hedy Weinberg said Wednesday the bill would make Tennessee children less competitive on the world stage and leave Tennessee with a poor reputation internationally.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  --  A coalition of groups opposed to Tennessee’s new voter photo ID law are scheduled to hold a press conference on Legislative Plaza Wednesday afternoon.

The upcoming Super Tuesday presidential preference primary March 6th will be the first state-wide vote where the new law will be enforced. Most voters will be required to present some type of state or federal ID before being allowed to cast a ballot.

Opponents have launched initiatives to repeal the law as well as efforts to get voters the kind of photo ID they’ll need to vote.

The coalition “No Barriers to the Ballot Box” is hosting the press conference this afternoon at 3 p.m. and they’re expected to announce new initiatives in opposition to the law.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WMOT)  -- Tennessee Republicans go into the current Tennessee General Assembly firmly in control of both the House and Senate, and with a clear legislative agenda.

They’re not the only ones. Political action groups with a wide range of interests are also gearing up for the session.

In an email release yesterday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, Executive Director Hedy Weinberg outlined her organization’s top concerns. The ACLU’s number one goal for the session is the repeal of Tennessee’s new voter photo ID law. Weinberg contends the law disenfranchises minorities, seniors and students.

Weinberg says the ACLU in Tennessee will also focus on the so-called “Don’t Say Gay in School” bill.

A second night with no new arrests in Nashville on Legislative Plaza. Occupy Nashville protesters are, once again, occupying the plaza around the clock.

After the Haslam Administration imposed new restrictions on protests last Thursday, Highway Patrol Troopers arrested a couple of dozen protesters both Friday and Saturday.

But a metro night court commissioner refused to jail the protesters on both occasions, saying that the state had exceeded its authority.

Protest spokesperson Cecily Friday says the arrests have only stiffened protesters resolve.

The Tennessee chapter of the ACLU is now reportedly considering filing a lawsuit against the state in support of the protesters.