ACLU of Ohio Makes an Old Mistake
April 13th, 2007
By HOLLY IN CINCINNATI, Copy Editor
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File this email from the ACLU of Ohio under the ’should have known better’ category:
Throughout the history of the ACLU, our firm dedication to civil liberties has directed us to defend the rights of all Americans—even, at times, those whose messages we abhor. For nearly a century, we have adhered to Voltaire’s principle that “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.�
We wish to inform you that this bedrock principle—and fundamental Constitutional right—is once again being put to the test in our own state. We share this message with a mixture of pride in our convictions and sadness over the circumstances.
On April 20, 2007, the American National Socialist Workers Party of Roanoke, VA—a neo-Nazi group—plans to march through the predominantly African-American neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati. The city initially issued a permit to the group for its march, but the permit was soon revoked and prohibitions were added by city officials limiting the group’s demonstration to a three-block area. Believing their constitutional rights to free speech and free assembly have been violated, the ACLU of Ohio will be defending the demonstrators.
The ACLU condemns violent action and supports its prevention. Yet we also believe that our government must allow citizens their unhindered right to free speech. The City of Cincinnati should stand behind this basic freedom while taking steps to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
As in previous cases where the ACLU has come to the defense of people or groups with whom we disagree, our position is rooted in certain fundamental principles. While we in no way endorse the views of the American National Socialist Workers Party, we believe that the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and press would be meaningless if the government could pick and choose the persons to whom they apply.
We know that it is hard for you, as residents of the greater Cincinnati area, to have such turmoil in your community. It is hard for us at the ACLU of Ohio to defend the rights of this group, whose message of intolerance and hate we do not endorse but rather speak out against in our own work. We believe that the proper response to speech is more speech, rather than limiting or eliminating the opportunities for groups to express their views. We recognize that curtailing the rights of a group based on their views can set a dangerous precedent. Such limits ultimately jeopardize the rights of all of us.
The principles of the First Amendment are indivisible. In a nation of laws, the rights established necessarily apply to all. Extend those rights to one group and they protect all groups; deny them to one group, and all groups suffer. We cannot remain faithful to the First Amendment by turning our backs when it is put to its severest test.
As a supporter of the ACLU, you have an appreciation for the complex values presented by our client’s case. We ask that you give the same thoughtful consideration to this situation as you do to so many others defended by the ACLU of Ohio. We ask the entire membership of the ACLU of Ohio for its support as we stand by this fundamental principle.
Sincerely,
Christine Link,
Executive Director
This entry was posted on Friday, April 13th, 2007 at 7:07 am and is filed under Civil Liberties, Social Commentary, Racism, Politics, Law & Legal Matters. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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