It has been an outstanding year for protecting civil liberties and rights, with victories in the courts, at the state Capitol, and in communities throughout Michigan. 

%3Ciframe%20class%3D%22media-youtube-player%22%20width%3D%22580%22%20height%3D%22324%22%20title%3D%22ACLU%20of%20Michigan%202023%20Year-In-Victories%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube-nocookie.com%2Fembed%2FvoBcHKAS8hI%3Fwmode%3Dopaque%26amp%3Bcontrols%3D1%26amp%3Bmodestbranding%3D1%26amp%3Brel%3D0%26amp%3Bshowinfo%3D0%26amp%3Bcolor%3Dwhite%26autoplay%3D1%26version%3D3%26playsinline%3D1%22%20name%3D%22ACLU%20of%20Michigan%202023%20Year-In-Victories%22%20frameborder%3D%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3D%22%22%20id%3D%22ACLU%20of%20Michigan%202023%20Year-In-Victories%22%20allow%3D%22autoplay%22%3EVideo%20of%20ACLU%20of%20Michigan%202023%20Year-In-Victories%3C%2Fiframe%3E

Privacy statement. This embed will serve content from youtube-nocookie.com.

We could not have done it without you – our supporters, volunteers, members, and partners.

From protecting public education, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom to removing barriers to abortion access and expanding voting rights – all of this and much more has been accomplished in 2023 with your help. But the fight to protect democracy and civil liberties requires vigilance. As we reflect on this year’s many successes, we are already looking ahead and preparing for 2024, knowing that with your ongoing support, we will continue to win together. 

In 2024, our democracy needs you more than ever. Let’s keep showing up together.

Watch Video

This op-ed was originally published on 12/19/23 on the Detroit Freep Press

Imagine being charged with a crime and going to court without an attorney or one qualified to defend you. Now, imagine being a child in those circumstances. Sadly, thousands of Michigan children across the state don’t have to use their imaginations.

The U.S. Constitution requires the state to provide legal representation to everyone facing incarceration.  

But in this state, children regularly face prosecution without a competent lawyer — or any lawyer at all. 

For indigent adults facing criminal charges, the state funds legal representation. It even requires that appointed attorneys are trained, qualified and have an adequate budget to hire investigators and expert witnesses.  

Lawyers who represent children in the juvenile delinquency system don’t get any of that — not the funding, and not the training.  

The results have been devastating. Children as young as 11 have gone before judges without defense counsel, and faced significant consequences, including incarceration, that have an enduring impact on them, their families and their communities.

Fortunately, there is a solution within reach.  

Lawmakers must pass HB 4630

Read Full Op-ed on Freep.com