Latest First Amendment News
Petition news from the First Amendment Center online.
Federal agencies disclose few meetings with lobbyists
Paucity of reporting 197 contacts across all agencies since February masks activities by lobbyists, clients eager to obtain stimulus money for their projects.
Supporters of gay partnerships sue to stop Wash. referendum
Lawsuit claims officials have accepted thousands of signatures that aren't in compliance with state law; meanwhile, campaign-finance panel rejects bid to keep initiative donors' names secret.
Ohio law violates ex-legislator's right to lobby
Federal judge's ruling clears way for Tom Brinkman Jr. to work unpaid for anti-tax group he created.
Federal judge halts release of Wash. referendum signatures
Gay-rights supporters had planned to publish online the names of everyone who signed petitions seeking to force public vote on new domestic-partnership law.
Groups sue to overturn Pa. voter-soliciting law
Legal director for ACLU, which filed suit on behalf of ACORN, says statute used to prosecute voter-registration workers imposes 'major burden on constitutionally protected political activity.'
Official says Conn. can't enforce lobbying law against diocese
Ethics office to drop investigation of Catholic Church and its activity related to March 11 rally at state Capitol.
Okla. governor faulted for vetoing petition bill
Gov. Henry says measure to protect petition-gatherers from harassment would have interfered with other First Amendment freedoms.
Federal court tosses W.Va. ban on petitions in parks
Judge rules state agency violated residents' free-speech rights by prohibiting political party from gathering signatures in state park.
White House rewrites curbs on lobbying stimulus
New rules broaden some restrictions but loosen others regarding conversations with administration officials on some projects.
Catholic diocese sues Conn. over lobbying laws
Church objects to being told it needs to register as lobbyist to hold rallies and use its Web site to oppose legislation.
Icon of Freedom
M. Jamal Fields
National Leadership Fellow
A principal in Modesto, California, Jamal Fields is a National Leadership Fellow with the Five Freedoms Project. His ideal school is a place where "kids and adults are on a journey of discovery together. Students, staff and families are actively engaged in the practice of democracy every day. Students engage in important work that is meaningful and productive toward making a better society. And the school is fluid in the content it addresses but consistent in teaching the big ideas of citizenship in a democratic society."
