In response to the continuing attacks on civil liberties -- including the USA PATRIOT Act, the Homeland Security Act (PDF), and the potential "PATRIOT Act II" -- three states and 172 cities, towns, and counties have passed resolutions or ordinances expressing their opposition to any attempt to undermine the rights guaranteed in the U.S. Bill of Rights. A campaign to pass a similar resolution in the Chicago City Council is currently underway.

Entitled Opposing the USA PATRIOT Act and Related Executive Orders, the proposed resolution was introduced into the City Council on July 9th by Aldermen Joe Moore (49th Ward), Helen Shiller (46th Ward), Freddrenna Lyle (6th Ward), and Ricardo Muñoz (22nd Ward). To date, 27 additional members of the City Council have signed the resolution. [ Resolution Text - PDF ]

However, organizers of the resolution campaign warn that simply supporting the introduction of a resolution does not guarantee a vote for adoption, and are calling all Chicagoans to contact their aldermen and urge support. Chicago City Council hearings on the resolution will be held on Thursday, Sept. 25th at 1 PM, in the Council Chambers on the second floor of Chicago City Hall. A vote by the full City Council on the resolution could happen as soon as October 1st.

Related Links:

Chicagoland Coalition for Civil Liberties and Rights

National Lawyer's Guild - Chicago

N.L.G. "Know Your Rights" Resource Page

Bill of Rights Defense Committee

War on the Bill of Rights