Civil Liberties

Civil liberties are your personal freedoms that are protected against government interference by the Constitution. These freedoms are enumerated in the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the US Constitution, and their counterparts in Article II of the Colorado Constitution.

Civil rights are your personal rights and privileges that are not specifically protected by the Constitution but are protected by law. These rights arise from legislation grounded in the 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th Amendments to the US Constitution, commonly referred to as the Reconstruction Amendments, that were enacted after the Civil War.

The League of Women Voters of Larimer County has issues teams that may currently address some aspects of civil liberties, such as gun safety as a public health crisis that may impact the 2^nd Amendment, and the importance of news access that may impact the 1^st Amendment.

Similarly, the LWVLC has issues teams and education groups that address some civil rights under diversity, equity and inclusion.

However, the League does not have a currently active issues team that is dedicated to education and advocacy of all civil liberties encompassed by the US and State Constitutions and civil rights protected by legislation.

The Civil Liberties Team will oversee all proposed legislation and governmental action that imposes on our civil liberties and civil rights. The Civil Liberties Team will collaborate with other League teams and partner organizations that engage with particular issues and will lead on all other aspects of civil liberties and civil rights.

For more information contact:

Jerry Wilson

Civil Liberties Chair

gwilson1051@comcast.net

Kathy Wilson

Civil Liberties Co-Chair

lwvkathy@gmail.com

Submitted on Sept 8, 2024