Arkansas ACLU sues to restore gender-neutral driver’s licenses

KUAR | By Daniel Breen

A new lawsuit is challenging the State of Arkansas’ policy shift away from gender-neutral driver’s licenses.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed the lawsuit on behalf of five plaintiffs Tuesday against the state Department of Finance and Administration, which said in March it was rescinding its policy allowing for a gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses. Drivers could previously list “X” on their licenses instead of choosing between male or female.

The lawsuit argues the rule was implemented without adequate notice or any opportunity for public comment, in conflict with existing Arkansas law. The ACLU says the department also has failed to demonstrate any urgent threat to public health or safety that the policy change is addressing.

Arkansas ACLU sues to restore gender-neutral driver’s licenses

Arkansas Department Of Finance And Administration

A sample of an Arkansas driver's license with "M" listed under "sex."

State begins calling witnesses in lawsuit challenging Arkansas transgender law

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The first lawsuit to be heard in the U.S. challenging a state law banning gender-affirming health care for minors is being heard in Arkansas. The federal lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the families of four transgender children.

After three days of testimony from witnesses called by attorneys for the plaintiffs earlier in the week, the plaintiff rested on Wednesday. The trial was not in session on Thursday because attorneys for the state said they were not ready to begin presenting their case then.

The first two witnesses for the defense were called Friday. Licensed Professional Counselor Cathy Campbell and Dr. Stephanie Ho had been subpoenaed by the state. They testified without reporters or the public in the courtroom because they were to discuss confidential therapy notes and medical records of the four minors.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-10-21/state-begins-calling-witnesses-in-lawsuit-challenging-arkansas-transgender-law

Michael Hibblen/KUAR News

The federal courthouse in Little Rock as seen on April 26, 2019. A lawsuit is challenging a law passed by the legislature banning gender-affirming health care for transgender minors.

ACLU pleased with appeals court decision on transgender healthcare

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The American Civil Liberties Union is preparing for a lawsuit to go to trial challenging an Arkansas law banning gender-affirming healthcare for children. The suit was filed on behalf of the families of four transgender children and two doctors.

Last week, a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a judge’s decision blocking the law from going into effect until the lawsuit could be heard. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is asking the full 8th Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the decision.

Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, says she is confident they will prevail at trial.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-09-02/aclu-pleased-with-appeals-court-decision-on-transgender-healthcare

ACLU Lawsuit Progresses Against Washington County Jail Treatment of Detainees with Ivermectin

KUAF - Jacqueline Froelich

A federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas on behalf of four Washington County jail detainees who claim they were unwittingly administered Ivermectin, a controversial COVID-19 treatment, is progressing – slowly.

https://www.kuaf.com/show/ozarks-at-large/2022-05-10/aclu-lawsuit-progresses-against-washington-county-jail-physician-treating-detainees-with-ivermectin

Courtesy/ACLU Arkansas

Appeal filed in dismissal of Arkansas redistricting case

KUAR | By Josie Lenora, Daniel Breen

A decision by a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ new districts in the state House of Representatives is being appealed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Arkansas State Conference NAACP and the Arkansas Public Policy challenged the new map arguing it dilutes the power of Black voters. The map was approved by the state Board of Apportionment, which is made up of Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Attorney General Leslie Rutledge and Secretary of State John Thurston, all Republicans.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/local-regional-news/2022-02-23/groups-appeal-dismissal-of-arkansas-redistricting-case

ARCAN/Arkansas PBS

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge confer before the start of a meeting on Nov. 29, 2021 in which new legislative maps were approved.

ACLU Preparing Legal Challenge To Arkansas Abortion Ban

By STEVE BRAWNER / TALK BUSINESS & POLITICS

The American Civil Liberties Union is planning lawsuits against two recent laws passed by Arkansas legislators banning abortions and gender affirming medical procedures, while other laws could draw legal challenges from that group and others.

The ACLU will sue in Arkansas’ Eastern District U.S. District Court to block those two laws, said Holly Dickson, ACLU executive director.

“We’ll be filing before the bills go into effect asking that those laws never go into effect,” she said.

https://www.ualrpublicradio.org/post/aclu-preparing-legal-challenge-arkansas-abortion-ban