Press Releases

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Court Strikes Down PA Statute Forbidding 'Blasphemy' In Business Names

PHILADELPHIA - The federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has struck down a Pennsylvania statute that forbids business names containing "words that constitute blasphemy, profane cursing or swearing or that profane the Lord's name."

July 1, 2010

State Senate Protects Pennsylvanians' Privacy Rights by Passing Bill to Block Real ID, Says ACLU of PA

HARRISBURG- The Pennsylvania Senate today continued the drumbeat of the states' opposition to the federal Real ID program by unanimously passing legislation to block its implementation in the commonwealth.

June 15, 2010

Luzerne County Agrees To Remove Religious Symbols From Courthouse Lawn

WILKES-BARRE - The Luzerne County Commissioners have agreed to remove two separate religious displays - a crèche and a menorah - from the lawn of the Luzerne County Courthouse after receiving a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and Americans United for Separation of C

December 17, 2009

Borough of Brookville Agrees to Pay $100,000 for Shutting Down Church's Homeless Ministry

PITTSBURGH - The Borough of Brookville, PA, has agreed to pay the First Apostles' Doctrine Church and its lawyers $100,000 for shutting down the church's ministry to homeless people last year.

October 13, 2009

ACLU Defends Church Prevented From Providing Shelter for the Homeless

PHILADELPHIA - The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed suit today to defend the right of Shenkel United Church of Christ (UCC) in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, to practice its religious beliefs by providing temporary emergency shelter to the homeless during the winter.

April 30, 2009

Court Showdown Averted as Town Allows Homeless Ministry to Resume Operations

PITTSBURGH - This morning U.S. District Chief Judge Donetta Ambrose signed an order allowing the First Apostles' Doctrine Church to resume housing homeless people as part of its ministry.

November 19, 2008