Resolution Regarding the USA PATRIOT ACT
To the Ohio Congressional Delegation:
The League of Women Voters of Ohio met in their 55th State Convention in Dayton, Ohio, on May 18, 2003, and passed the following resolution:
WHEREAS: The League of Women Voters supports protection of individual
rights guaranteed by the Constitution; and
WHEREAS: The recent adoption of the USA Patriot Act and several executive
orders may unconstitutionally authorize the federal government to
infringe upon fundamental liberties in violation of due process,
the right to privacy, the right to counsel, protections against
unreasonable searches and seizures, and basic First Amendment freedoms;
and
WHEREAS: The League of Women Voters of Ohio is concerned that the
actions of the Attorney General of the United States and the United
States Justice Department pose significant threats to Constitutional
protections; therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That the League of Women Voters of Ohio, meeting in convention
in Dayton, Ohio, on May 18, 2003, urges the Ohio congressional delegation
to work to repeal any sections of the USA Patriot Act that limit
or violate fundamental rights and liberties including but not limited
to:
1) Monitoring political and religious gatherings exercising their
First Amendment rights;
2) Obtaining library records, bookstore records, grocery store purchases,
and Web site activities;
3) Issuing subpoenas without a court’s approval or knowledge;
4) Requesting nonconsensual releases of student and faculty records
from public schools and institutions of higher learning; and
5) Eavesdropping on confidential communications between lawyers and
their clients.