The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties” due to all in the United States. Recently, the Rhode Island Affiliate of the ACLU took issue with the Providence Police for videotaping protesters. Such videotaping is an established practice in law-enforcement and often the only recourse police have when peaceful demonstrations turn violent. The ACLU has indicated that journalists and protesters have a right to record such demonstrations, but that this First Amendment right somehow should not extend to the police because such taping might be construed as “intimidation.”
Anyone who has ever prayed the rosary in front of an abortion clinic will attest to the reality that such prayerful protests are sometimes recorded by those who are affiliated with the deplorable choice of abortion. Is the ACLU concerned about these recordings or the possible “intimidation” of these protesters? Not likely, since they proudly state on their website that they were involved in the 1973 court decision of Roe v. Wade which placed the right to privacy above the right to life.
The ACLU’s direct opposition to the recent court cases brought against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for violation of conscience rights is likewise indicative of their stance when it comes to religious liberty (i.e., some have it and some do not). Perhaps the ACLU should choose a name that more aptly suits its representation, like SCLU (Selective Civil Liberties Union).
