Our Latest Case: The ACLU on Thursday filed a lawsuit in federal district court on behalf of a North Smithfield resident, seeking the return of lawfully possessed weapons that were seized from him over six years ago by the local police department and which the department still refuses to return to him. Jason Richer, who was not facing any charges, has repeatedly requested the return of the weapons, but he has been consistently rebuffed--at one point he was told to get a court order in order to have his property returned to him. The ACLU is arguing that the department’s holding of Mr. Richer’s property without just cause violates his right to due process and his right to keep and bear arms. We successfully filed a similar lawsuit against the Cranston Police Department three years ago.

Balou and Ozzy Go Home: The two pitbulls seized in October by North Kingstown officials will be returned home while our court case challenging the seizure of the dogs moves forward.

Upcoming Events: We already have two events scheduled for next month. We’re co-sponsoring a screening of Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin on May 21, and we are hosting a discussion about issues beyond marriage equality facing the LGBT community in Rhode Island on May 28.

Legislative Update: We are in the midst of another busy legislative session. Check out our newly updated legislation page to read summaries of the latest bills, and our testimony on them.