The costly War on Drugs continues to erode personal liberties without curbing drug trade or use. This heavy-handed tactic has failed. The ACLU supports a public health approach, including investment in drug treatment, education, and regulation of drug availability. The ACLU’s goal is to end punitive drug policies that cause the widespread violation of constitutional and human rights, as well as unprecedented levels of incarceration.
ACLU at the Michigan Capitol – June 27, 2016
In 2008 the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) was approved by an overwhelming majority of Michigan voters, including significant majorities in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Livonia and Wyoming.
Although the law bars officials from arresting, prosecuting or in any way penalizing registered patients and caregivers who comply with the MMMA, all four cities enacted ordinances that completely ban medical marijuana.
When Rick Braska was required by his employer to take a drug test, the results came back positive for traces of marijuana. Mr. Braska was immediately fired under the employer’s “zero tolerance” policy—even though he is a registered medical marijuana patient, was obeying the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA), and never used marijuana in the workplace or showed up to work stoned. The state then refused to pay Mr. Braska unemployment benefits.
In 2012, Grand Rapids became one of several cities in Michigan where the voters have chosen to decriminalize the possession and use of marijuana. The drug remains illegal under state law, but decriminalization at the local level allows local police agencies to focus their resources on combating more serious crime.
The ACLU maintains a presence in Lansing that enables us to pass policies that expand civil liberties or prevent the passage of policies that are hostile to civil liberties. Through traditional lobbying techniques lobbying, advocacy, and advocacy the legislative program seeks to advance and protect our civil liberties.
The ACLU of Michigan’s legislative program works on a breadth of issues. To give you an idea of what we’ve been up to, we have provided a brief summary, our position on the issue and where the bill is currently situation in the legislative process.
In the last year, LZ has written powerfully and poignantly about Ferguson, Missouri, and the truths about race and racism that we as Americans must face. In addition to his insightful and deeply personal writing on racial justice, LZ and his partner are actively involved in the movement for marriage equality. LZ can be regularly seen and read on ESPN, ESPN.com, and CNN.
Thursday, May 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids
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While we’re certainly not shy at the ACLU of Michigan about making our voice heard, there are still many instances in which our work doesn’t always get widespread public recognition we hope for.
Often, our legal cases and legislative battles go on for years under the radar as we work every day to chip away at threats to our rights and liberties. That’s why we like to take the occasional opportunity to share some of our most significant wins with the members and supporters who make our work possible.
With a history of civil liberties stretching back almost a century, the ACLU has got plenty of amazing cases for #TBT. Every Thursday, we'll be sharing updates on cases pulled from our archives of work in Michigan and beyond.
