Key developments in our work for civil liberties during COVID-19.

Friend –

This past week showed us, more than anything, why we fight. As COVID-19 rates soar across the country – impacting Black and Brown communities especially – we have an administration more focused on its anti-immigrant agenda and a president outwardly dismissing the disproportionate police killings of Black people.

The ACLU will not be letting up anytime soon. We're in every state right now to save lives, advocate for vulnerable communities, safeguard the right to vote, protect abortion rights, and guard against unjustified government overreach. And you're crucial to it all.

Here is the very latest in our ongoing work together for civil liberties during COVID-19:

* In advance of another coronavirus relief bill – expected to be introduced as early as next week – we're urging Senators to take four key actions to protect marginalized communities and the most vulnerable people in our country:

1. Mandate and provide funding for universal no-excuse vote by mail and early voting; <[link removed]>

2. Expand early release for people in prisons and jails; <[link removed]>

3. Provide funding for emergency rental assistance; and

4. Provide access to COVID-19 testing and treatment for everyone, regardless of immigration status. <[link removed]>

* The first federal executions in 17 years were rushed forward despite concerns of COVID-19 risks for all involved. The execution of Danny Lewis Lee occurred Tuesday morning after a late-night ruling by the Supreme Court – followed by yesterday's execution of Wes Purkey, despite pending litigation about his competency to be executed. The ACLU was denied a request for stay in Mr. Purkey's case, after suing on behalf of his spiritual adviser who was at high-risk of COVID-19. A third execution is expected to be carried out tonight. Though this is truly a somber and disheartening moment in the United States, we won't stop fighting until all executions end <[link removed]> – in the pandemic and for good.

* The ACLU filed our 15th case to protect voting rights during the pandemic – this time against the Trump campaign. On Wednesday, we and our Pennsylvania affiliate took legal action against the campaign's efforts to suppress the vote by attempting, among other things, to block voters from depositing their mail ballots in safe, secure drop boxes.

* In the face of ongoing and coordinated attacks on our abortion rights, we achieved major victories. This Monday as a result of our lawsuit, a federal court ruled that the FDA can't subject patients to COVID-19 risks by forcing them to make unnecessary trips to their health care provider to obtain medication used for early abortion care. That same day, a federal court also blocked Tennessee's law to ban abortion at nearly every stage of pregnancy.

These events only cover a portion of the work that our attorneys, organizers, and advocacy teams have been devoted to since the start of the outbreak. As we continue to grapple with this global pandemic and the rising calls to end structural racism and police brutality – the need to fight for civil rights and civil liberties has only been amplified.

That is why the ACLU exists, ACLU Supporter – and why we're grateful you're a part of our critical work. Be on the lookout for what's next, and thank you for your dedication.

Keep up the fight,

The ACLU Team

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