I am not a fan of the ACLU. In fact, I mostly don't like them. But at least they are taking a stand in this Texas Travesty. Finally...
"Based upon news reports and other available information, the ACLU has serious concerns that
the state’s actions so far have not adequately protected the fundamental rights at stake. Specifically, the ACLU is concerned that:
1. The initial raid at YFZ was prompted by a single allegation of abuse now reported most likely to have been made by someone who never resided at YFZ. Law enforcement officials have since removed every child who was living at the ranch, regardless of age or sex, and the state has justified that decision, in part, by explaining that all children at the ranch were at risk because they were exposed to FLDS beliefs regarding underage marriage.
Religion is never an excuse for abuse. But, exposure to a religion’s beliefs, however unorthodox, is not itself abuse and may not constitutionally be labeled abuse.
2. Parents have been separated from their children
without individual, adversarial hearings and without particularized evidence that they ever engaged in abuse or were likely to engage in abuse. Children from YFZ have since been dispersed around the state, compounding the harm of forced separation of children – particularly infants – and their parents.
3. Court-ordered
DNA testing has been ordered for all children without having any specific evidence that the parentage of all children was actually in dispute. Parents have been pressured to consent to DNA testing if they wish to be reunited with their children who were forcibly separated from them.
4. State officials have an important obligation to protect children against abuse. However, such actions should not be indiscriminately targeted against a group as a whole – particularly when the group is perceived as being different or unusual.
Actions should be based on concrete evidence of harm and not based upon prejudice against religious or other communities."
From the Texas ACLU website May 2, 2008
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