USA PATRIOT Act
Just 45 days after the September 11 attacks, with virtually no
debate, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act. Many parts of this
sweeping legislation take away checks on law enforcement and threaten
the very rights and freedoms that we are struggling to protect. For
example, without a warrant and without probable cause, the FBI now has
the power to access your most private medical records, your library
records, and your student records… and can prevent anyone from telling
you it was done.
The Department of Justice is expected to introduce a sequel, dubbed
PATRIOT II, that would further erode key freedoms and liberties of
every American.
The ACLU and many allies on the left and right believe that before
giving law enforcement new powers, Congress must first re-examine
provisions of the first PATRIOT Act to ensure that is in alignment with
key constitutional protections.
ACLU of Eastern Missouri: Opposing the Patriot Act
The ACLU-EM has actively opposed the Patriot Act from the inception
of its hasty passage. Working with other concerned organizations and
individuals, we have participated in the drafting and pursuit of
anti-Patriot Act resolutions to protect civil liberties. The University City
city council was the first Missouri municipality to pass a resolution
protecting civil liberties and expressing concern about some provisions
of the PATRIOT Act. Why not work to Pass a Resolution in your city?
Use the following links for a summary of the Patriot Act
and additional information on the Patriot Act Expansion Bill, the
Patriot Act Bipartisan Freedom to Read Bill and how to "Reform the
Patriot Act".
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