An article in The Plain Dealer of Cleveland says that the ACLU is challenging part of a new Ohio state law requiring applicants under final consideration for a government job, contract or license to complete and sign questionnaires to determine if they have supported organizations on a federal list of terrorists.
The ACLU challenge came about when a lawyer was told he wouldn’t be assigned court-appointed cases unless he signed a questionnaire stating he is not a terrorist and does not support terrorism.
The ACLU is arguing that only the Supreme Court, and not the legislature, has jurisdiction over Ohio’s courts.
“It’s an argument that’s absurd on its face,” State Sen.ator Jeff Jacobson said. “They’re saying that this interferes with the Supreme Court. All we’re doing is regulating who can be paid by the state.”
Be advised, Senator, absurd arguments have frequently won the day ever since the supposed “Twinkie defense” of 1978. For almost 30 years now our courts have entertained the most bizarre defenses to the detriment of society.
The article also says, the new Ohio law permits the arrest of people who refuse to cooperate when police who suspect them of committing or witnessing felonies ask them for their names. It creates a group to assess and protect security at Ohio’s shipping ports, allowing pre-certified doctors and other volunteers into secured areas after a natural disaster. It also creates harsher penalties for attacks by animal rights activists and environmentalists.
Be prepared, I’m sure the ACLU is looking for any reason, no matter how absurd, to challenge other parts of this law.
Posted earlier at Stop the ACLU.
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