Civil Rights
| Gay Men and Lesbians as Foster Parents |
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| Civil rights advocates say that sexual orientation discrimination occurs when a state refuses to place a foster child with a single man because he is gay or when a lesbian couple is not permitted to provide emergency foster care because of their sexual orientation. At least two states have laws or regulations prohibiting gay men or lesbians from serving as foster parents. Those opposed to such laws and policies cite reports indicating that children raised by lesbian or gay parents--either as single parents or as same sex partners--seem to receive the same level of care and concern as do children raised by heterosexual parents. Proponents of permitting gay men and lesbians to provide foster care also point to the critical shortage of foster care providers.
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| The Rehabilitation Act and Education for Disabled Students. |
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| The Rehabilitation Act was passed to allow full participation in society by individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act, along with other federal laws such as the Civil Rights Law of 1964, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, guarantees equal access to education for disabled students. More... |
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| The Freedom of Speech and Political Signs |
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| For the most part, cities and municipalities cannot implement "sign" ordinances or regulations that restrict a person's right to free political speech. To do so would be considered "state action" that is subject to the provisions of the United States Constitution. Because homeowner associations and condominium associations are not state actors, they are not constrained by the Constitution. Accordingly, they can implement--and enforce--political sign regulations and rules without fear of running afoul of the First Amendment.
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| Internet and Telephone Surveillance After September 11, 2001 |
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| A federal court has ruled that the Internet and telephone surveillance provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT Act) were unconstitutionally broad. Specifically, the federal court rejected the provision that permitted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to demand Internet usage records from Internet Service Providers and other communications firms, without first obtaining a warrant issued by a court. The Security and Freedom Ensured Act (SAFE Act) has been proposed as a bipartisan measure to restrict some of the surveillance and monitoring powers granted to the federal government by the USA PATRIOT Act.
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| Enforcement of Voting Rights |
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| Certain jurisdictions, including some states and counties, are expressly "covered" by the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These political jurisdictions are comprised of a certain percentage or number of minority voters. Pursuant to the Voting Rights Act, federal courts and the United States Attorney General may "certify" states and counties as needing federal examiners and federal observers to monitor voter registration and voting practices. More... |
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