In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Kirkland & Ellis with 2023 Pro Bono Paragon Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is proud to present the 2023 Pro Bono Paragon Award to Kirkland & Ellis, in gratitude for their unparalleled commitment and exemplary contributions to L4GG’s pro bono programs.

While many law firms collaborate with L4GG, Kirkland & Ellis has consistently showcased their dedication, acting as co-architects for a multitude of L4GG’s pro bono initiatives. “From the very inception of our projects, Kirkland attorneys have been there beside us, turning ambitious visions into reality,” says Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director.

Their expansive work spans various vital issues, from state legislative advocacy, to immigrant rights, to environmental and racial justice. Notably, Kirkland has been a leader in building programs such as L4GG’s COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic, which provided critical legal assistance to 2,149 microbusinesses and nonprofits during the pandemic, and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Pro Bono Project for Ukraine, a program designed to provide remote legal assistance to Ukrainian nationals in the U.S., created in the aftermath of the 2022 Russian invasion.

“It probably won’t surprise you to learn that Kirkland was our very first pro bono partner. We’ve been collaborating with their team since 2018, and today, they remain one of our most invaluable allies.””

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

However, the partnership's depth transcends legal expertise. "Their unwavering collaborative spirit and genuine passion for the cause solidify Kirkland & Ellis as a true partner," says Traci. "Their monumental contributions have undeniably transformed countless lives and driven monumental human rights initiatives forward."

---

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Kirkland & Ellis is an international law firm known for its leadership in complex litigation, arbitration, and transactional matters. With a commitment to pro bono work, they have been at the forefront of numerous human rights initiatives in collaboration with organizations like L4GG.

Lawyers for Good Government Honors Goodwin with 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) named Goodwin a recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. L4GG is a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs, and the Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award recognizes firms for their exceptional contributions to L4GG’s mission of mobilizing lawyers for social justice.

Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director, emphasized, "Goodwin has been an exceptional collaborator and a true champion in our mission to mobilize pro bono legal support for equal justice. Their unwavering support and dedication, particularly in our Reproductive Health Legal Assistance Project (RHLAP), has been instrumental in creating impactful, positive change."

Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives, elaborated on the importance of the RHLAP Program: "In today's shifting legal landscape, reproductive health clinicians are faced with daily decisions requiring clear, up-to-date legal guidance. L4GG's RHLAP has mobilized over 500 attorneys to provide essential support, and Goodwin took on the challenge.”

Goodwin partner Sabrina Rose-Smith shared, “Being part of L4GG's Reproductive Health Assistance Project appealed to Goodwin deeply. With increasing attacks on both reproductive rights and transgender rights, pro bono services are in more critical need now than ever before. Goodwin is proud to partner with L4GG on this important work.”

In addition, Goodwin’s work on L4GG’s Transgender Health Report underlined the systemic challenges faces by the transgender community. Through a comprehensive state-by-state analysis, Goodwin and L4GG managed to highlight disparities, discriminatory practices, and areas ripe for advocacy.

“Goodwin’s dedication extends far and wide. From the RHLAP to the Lawyers for Racial Justice program, and even the TPS Pro Bono Project for Ukraine, Goodwin’s contributions have been vast and impactful.”

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

As the legal community prepares to celebrate pro bono efforts nationwide, L4GG recognized Goodwin with the Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award as a testament to how instrumental the firm’s partnership has been in the fight for a more just future.

---

Award Video:

---

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Goodwin is a global law firm where more than 1,800 corporate and litigation lawyers leverage their specific experience and assemble full-service teams to advise clients in these and adjacent industries.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Orrick with 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP as a recipient of their 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. L4GG commends Orrick for their exceptional contribution to L4GG's Climate Change and Environmental Justice program. Orrick’s dedicated pro bono service has significantly advanced the mission to expedite America's just transition to a green economy and directly address environmental racism.

Orrick took notable initiative in L4GG's Disadvantaged Communities Report, a pivotal 50-state survey that offers indispensable guidance on state-level policies for accessing the unprecedented $2 trillion in federal infrastructure funding allocated through recent legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act, Biden’s Infrastructure Law of 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Orrick’s pro bono commitment has been instrumental in our mission to tackle climate change and to bring forth environmental justice. Their tenacity and expertise were critical in the development of our Disadvantaged Communities Report. This is a prime example of how Orrick’s contributions have been invaluable in helping states and communities understand how to distribute federal climate funds equitably.”

— Jillian Blanchard, L4GG’s Director of Climate Change & Environmental Justice

Due to the ambiguous definitions and complex identification processes of “disadvantaged communities” across states, accessing this funding has been challenging for decision-makers. Orrick’s outstanding efforts were vital in converting scattered, inconsistent information into a user-friendly, consolidated guide. Orrick mobilized 30 attorneys to perform 1,000 hours of research, transforming complexity into clarity and facilitating equitable distribution of climate funds.

Orrick’s collaboration didn’t stop with the creation of the report. They further showcased their expertise by producing a comprehensive training webinar. The session provided an overview of the report and its effective use, attended by dozens of decision-makers, tribal representatives, community representatives, and nonprofit advocacy groups.

“The attorneys at Orrick have been a pleasure to work with and their dedication to our cause is truly inspiring. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Orrick as we strive to advance justice and equality in every facet of our society.”

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

Lawyers for Good Government extends their sincere gratitude for Orrick’s support and unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

---

Award Video:

---

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a premier global law firm with a particular focus on serving companies in the technology, energy, and financial sectors. The firm is internationally recognized for its foundational belief that a commitment to corporate social responsibility, diversity, and pro bono is an intrinsic part of superior professional service.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Mayer Brown with 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is proud to announce Mayer Brown as a recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. The award is an acknowledgment of Mayer Brown's exceptional contributions to L4GG's mission of mobilizing lawyers for social justice. Their consistent and robust support, particularly in the Lawyers for Racial Justice program, has been instrumental in creating impactful, positive change.

In 2020, Mayer Brown launched Project Equity initiative, underscoring the significant role legal firms play in addressing systemic racism and promoting equity within the law. The initiative, aiming to bring about meaningful change and foster strategic engagement on issues of racial and social justice, found a natural ally in L4GG's Lawyers for Racial Justice initiative.

Together, the partnership has achieved significant strides. A landmark collaboration is L4GG’s “Police in Schools” report, which scrutinizes state funding of police in schools. Through rigorous research and analysis, the report includes comprehensive state-specific findings on how school resource officers are protected by the law when they disproportionately target and harm students of color, further exacerbating the school-to-prison pipeline.

“What sets Mayer Brown apart is not just their legal prowess but their commitment to driving forward racial justice. Given this year’s theme, ‘Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All’, their dedicated efforts to highlight systemic imbalances, such as those faced by students of color, align directly with the broader call for true democracy. They are genuine collaborators who believe in the strength of collective action.”

— Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director

Moreover, Mayer Brown's commitment goes beyond the realm of racial justice. Late in 2022, Mayer Brown collaborated with L4GG to author a groundbreaking report on state-level access to gender-affirming care, emphasizing discriminatory policies endangering transgender rights and healthcare access nationwide.

Their commitment to social justice is further highlighted by leading an initiative alongside L4GG and other law firms, aiming to assist a group of Afghan women in securing Temporary Protected Status. Their efforts currently aid approximately 60 Afghan women in their journey towards achieving immigration stability in the U.S.

As the legal community prepares to celebrate pro bono efforts nationwide, Lawyers for Good Government is elated to recognize Mayer Brown with the 2023 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award, a testament to their enduring contributions towards not just L4GG, but to the broader mission of ensuring equal justice for all.

---

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Mayer Brown is a distinctively global law firm, uniquely positioned to advise the world's leading companies and financial institutions on their most intricate deals and disputes. With a formidable presence spanning four continents, Mayer Brown stands unparalleled as the only integrated law firm in the world with around 200 lawyers in each of the globe's three primary financial hubs—New York, London, and Hong Kong—serving as the linchpin of the global economy.

In Celebration of Pro Bono Week, Lawyers for Good Government Honors Comcast with 2023 Outstanding Corporate Partner Award

Washington D.C. – In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 22-28, 2023), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading non-profit organization that mobilizes pro-bono legal support for human rights programs, is excited to announce Comcast as the recipient of its 2023 Outstanding Corporate Partner Award. The award is an acknowledgment of Comcast's exceptional contributions to L4GG's mission of mobilizing lawyers for social justice.

Traci Feit Love, L4GG’s Founder and Executive Director, emphasized, "Comcast has been an exceptional collaborator and a true champion in our mission to mobilize pro bono legal support for equal justice. Their unwavering support and dedication, particularly in our Temporary Protected Status Pro Bono Project for Ukraine, has been instrumental in creating impactful, positive change."

L4GG's Director of Pro Bono Initiatives, Lauren Worsek, elaborated on the importance of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Program, highlighting its role in offering relief to individuals from countries facing dire circumstances. "L4GG's TPS Pro Bono Program extends invaluable legal guidance to those qualifying for TPS, assisting them in crucial areas such as application preparation and employment authorization."

Comcast's involvement has been paramount to the program's success. A representative from Comcast shared, "Following the devastating invasion of Ukraine by Russia, we realized the urgent need for our partnership with L4GG. It wasn’t just about offering legal support but truly about changing lives. We witnessed firsthand the intricate landscape of Temporary Protected Status, and our legal team was deeply committed to assisting affected individuals from Ukraine every step of the way."

Furthermore, Lauren Worsek highlighted the unique and commendable nature of Comcast's involvement, especially given the typical challenges corporate legal departments face:

“Corporate legal departments often face challenges when it comes to engaging in pro bono efforts, but Comcast’s dedication has broken down those barriers. They haven’t just provided legal assistance; they’ve gone above and beyond, dedicating the most hours to our vital programs.”

— Lauren Worsek, L4GG’s Director of Pro Bono Initiatives

As the legal community prepares to celebrate pro bono efforts nationwide, Lawyers for Good Government is elated to recognize Comcast with this award, a testament to how instrumental their partnership has been in ensuring a safer future for many.

---

AWARD VIDEO

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) is a non-profit organization committed to upholding human rights and achieving equal justice, with a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. Through large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts, L4GG tackles pressing issues such as climate change, environmental racism, reproductive justice, immigrant rights, and racial justice.

Comcast is a premier global media and technology company, connecting hundreds of millions worldwide through its top-tier broadband, mobile, and entertainment services.

One Year into the IRA, L4GG is Fighting to Ensure No Community is Left Behind

As we mark the first anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there's much to celebrate. But there are also pressing questions to address. At the heart of this reflection is a critical concern: Is the landmark Justice40 Initiative, under President Biden’s administration, genuinely steering 40% of funding to our nation's most disadvantaged populations?

The IRA, in just one year, has catalyzed the creation of approximately 170,060 jobs across 44 states. It has injected a staggering $278 billion in investments into the economy, sprouting 272 new clean energy projects that have reached both our bustling cities and quaintest towns. However, as these impressive numbers roll out, we must pause and ponder: Are Black, brown, and historically marginalized communities truly benefiting? Are they even aware of the myriad of opportunities, like the Direct Pay tax program, lying at their doorstep?

Jillian Blanchard, L4GG’s Director of Climate Change and Environmental Justice, raises a poignant observation, “The Biden Administration has made some incredible strides in moving the clean energy market and investing in disadvantaged communities…but it needs to do a better job of communicating these opportunities to the American people and sharing success stories.” This remark, while acknowledging the strides taken, also underscores the journey ahead.

So, how is L4GG acting on this?

1. Empowering through Knowledge: Recently, we hosted a comprehensive free legal training centered on the Direct Pay initiative. This session, facilitated by experts from tax, project finance, and energy law sectors, educated over 200 entities. The attendees ranged from state and local governments to frontline communities. They were equipped with strategies to tap into elective pay for innovative green projects.
   

2. Standing Up for Marginalized Communities: At L4GG, we believe in direct action. Through our Decarbonization and Climate Resilience Funding Clinic, we are actively offering pro bono representation to overburdened communities. An example is our representation of the Indiana NAACP at the IURC. The objective? To influence state-wide EV infrastructure policies, ensuring they cater to the needs of all. This mission was showcased in a recent press conference that united Black equity leaders from Indiana. You can watch the press conference to learn more about the Indiana NAACP’s mission here.
   

3. Mapping the Road Ahead: We will soon release an updated version of our 50-state Disadvantaged Communities Report. This document aims to shed light on best practices for implementing Justice40, promote genuine community engagement, and establish methodologies to truly identify and uplift disadvantaged communities.
   

Looking back at a year since the IRA’s inception, our nation stands at a pivotal juncture. We have the tools, the resources, and the intent. The challenge now is to ensure that the benefits of our green transition reach every corner of our nation, leaving no community in the shadows.

Lawyers play an indispensable role in this narrative. Their expertise can serve as the bridge that connects disadvantaged communities to the complex web of climate legislation. Through understanding, advocacy, and representation, they can demystify the opportunities and funding available, ensuring everyone gets a fair share of the green future. L4GG will continue to mobilize the legal community to champion the causes of overburdened communities, simplify the intricacies of laws like the IRA, and fight for an equitable future!

Indiana NAACP Partners with Lawyers for Good Government to Defend Equity in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment

Indianapolis, IN — As the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission (IURC) prepare to roll out the funding, policies, and procedures that will shape the state’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs), the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP (Indiana NAACP) is leading a coalition of political, faith, and community leaders to advocate for an equitable transition to clean transportation. 

With pro bono legal assistance from Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) and Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP (Dentons) under L4GG’s Decarbonization and Climate Resilience Funding Clinic, the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP (Indiana NAACP) is intervening in the Commission’s Proceeding (Cause No. 45816) to help ensure equitable policy-making for EV siting and infrastructure in Indiana. 

This proceeding falls under the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) and will promote greater electrification of the transportation sector in Indiana.  The way the Commission implements these efforts will have serious implications for the future of EV mobility for all Hoosiers.  As an Intervenor, Indiana NAACP testifies that in order to ensure that all Indiana communities can benefit from EV infrastructure, the IURC should adopt relevant portions of the Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities (Alliance’s) Six Point Plan in a final Order that it will issue. Adopting the Six Point Plan will help establish regulatory policies and provide critical guidance to utilities to ensure the equitable placement and siting of EV infrastructure and a just transition to clean transportation for decades to come. All parties have been asked by the administrative law judge to craft a joint proposed order, but it remains to be seen whether the utilities will be willing to incorporate tangible measures to ensure equitable distribution of EV charging for all Hoosiers, including Black and other communities of color and low-income communities. 

““We need to electrify our interstates and install charging where people live, worship, work, and play. The EV transition offers real opportunities to Black and other people of color in policy innovation, small business, and job creation. By centering the needs of communities of color, we can ensure racially equitable benefits across communities.””

— Denise Abdul-Rahman, State Chair, Environmental Climate Justice, Indiana State Conference of the NAACP. “

““It is critical for groups like Indiana NAACP to be an equal party to the Commission’s proceedings to ensure that utilities prioritize siting and maintenance of EV infrastructure in Black communities and communities of color and to ensure that at least 40% of the $100M of federal funding going to the State of Indiana actually benefits disadvantaged communities consistent with Biden’s Justice40 requirements. The policies that will result from the Commission proceeding are critical in this regard.””

— Jillian Blanchard, Director of Climate Change & Environmental Justice at Lawyers for Good Government

Right now, the State is poised to receive almost $1B over the next five years for EV infrastructure, and the IURC is in the process of crafting an order that will determine what, if any, measures Indiana’s five big investor-owned utilities will need to take to ensure that EV infrastructure is deployed equitably in communities that have been historically neglected.  

The IURC proceeding is one critical piece in a larger puzzle that will shape Indiana’s EV siting and infrastructure with major implications for racial equity, economic opportunity, and public health. Together, the Indiana NAACP and L4GG are actively advocating for equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color, particularly through EV infrastructure buildout.

Indiana NAACP has worked for years to ensure equity in the rollout of EV charging infrastructure requirements in the State of Indiana by coordinating with coalition partners in the Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities (the Alliance). Last year, the Alliance raised the alarm about the need for the State’s NEVI plan to ensure both meaningful community engagement and equitable siting, hiring, and management of placement of EV infrastructure, working at the local, state, and federal levels.

L4GG has been working on similar policies at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure the equitable distribution of the billions of dollars coming down under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for EV transportation projects, including providing pro bono legal assistance to Black communities and other overburdened communities that have long been neglected—and often directly harmed—by traditional transportation projects. 

The Indiana NAACP’s intervention in Cause No. 45816 is driven by the understanding that the current EV revolution could perpetuate, rather than challenge, long-standing racial inequalities. Systemic barriers such as financial capacity for EV ownership, access to charging stations, and digital literacy for EV-related research contribute to racial inequities that could prevent Black and brown communities from enjoying the benefits of the shift to clean cars and better air quality.

The Indiana NAACP acknowledges the economic impact of the emerging green economy, and recognizes the critical importance of directing investments towards disadvantaged communities. An equitable distribution of funding for and siting of EV infrastructure not only supports the fight against climate change, but it can also empower marginalized communities to take part in building and benefitting from the new green economy and starts to level the playing field.

In addition, the health benefits of accessible and widespread EV adoption cannot be overstated because decades of segregation and structural racism have resulted in Black communities suffering from higher exposure to transportation pollution. 71 percent of African Americans live in counties in violation of federal air pollution standards. Our collective advocacy aims to combat these public health disparities by advocating for more EV infrastructure in all communities, thereby reducing harmful tail-pipe emissions and improving overall public health, particularly in the communities that have suffered the most from transportation pollution.

###

The Indiana State Conference of the NAACP Our mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) coordinates large-scale pro bono programs and issue advocacy efforts to protect human rights, defend the environment, and ensure equal justice under the law, and has a network of 125,000+ lawyers to assist in its efforts. The Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program leverages its vast pro bono network to expedite the just, equitable, and fair transition to a green economy. 

Preserving Reproductive Rights: The Power of Religious Freedom in the Fight Against Abortion Bans

Written by L4GG’s 2023 Summer Intern, Veronica Dickstein

In the wake of recent disheartening SCOTUS decisions and the erosion of reproductive rights in many U.S. states, it can be difficult to also see the positive developments in reproductive rights happening nationwide. Yet, across the country, attorneys and advocates are using creative strategies to protect bodily autonomy in a post-Dobbs America.

One such strategy centers around freedom of religion, an ideal central to the fabric of our country and our constitution. White nationalist movements have used religion to control and restrict, but this legal initiative shows that religion does not have to be used in such a poisonous, distorted way.

In Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, and Indiana, pro-choice advocates are arguing that abortion bans restrict religious freedom and are, therefore, unconstitutional. Some cases with this argument focus on their respective states’ constitutions’ enshrined right to freely practice religion. Meanwhile, some focus on their state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, acts modeled off the 1993 federal act of the same name that aimed to strengthen religious freedom protections. 

Let’s go through some of the cases that use this religion-oriented strategy:

• In Florida, plaintiffs are declaring the Reducing Fetal and Infant Mortality Act (a 15-week abortion ban) unconstitutional in Generation to Generation v. State of Florida. In this ongoing case, plaintiffs argue that because Jewish law states that “abortion is required if necessary to protect the health, mental or physical, or well-being of the woman,” which this act does not allow, the act is therefore unconstitutional because it violates the plaintiffs’ freedom of religion. Using Judaism in these cases is a common thread, due to its assertions that anything can be justified to save a life; Judaism also lacks any evidence that a fetus would be considered a life in the same way as a human baby, or a pregnant person for that matter.

• In the same vein, in Kentucky, plaintiffs in the ongoing Sobel v. Cameron are filing suit against Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and Jefferson County Attorney General Thomas Wine. This case draws on Kentucky’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which states that “no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious sect, society or denomination; nor to any particular creed, mode of worship or system of ecclesiastical polity.” Plaintiffs argue that because the bill declares that life begins at conception, an ideology that conflicts with Jewish religious beliefs, this bill violates their religious freedom. They also claimed that, consequently, this bill gave preferential treatment to those with Christian beliefs and was, therefore, discriminatory.

• In Rev. Blackmon v. Missouri, plaintiffs are challenging the constitutionality of Missouri’s abortion ban due to its undeniably religious character; Missouri’s abortion ban was described by state legislators in explicitly religious terms. Missouri Representative Adam Schnelting said when discussing the ban: “I know of no greater way of affirming the natural rights of man than to declare that they are a gift from our Creator that neither man nor government can abridge.” Plaintiffs in this case claim that because of this, the ban is a violation of the separation of church and state, something clearly protected in Missouri’s constitution. They also argue, similarly to plaintiffs in the Florida and Kentucky cases, that this ban forces all Missouri residents to adhere to a definition of life only held by some—mostly those part of specific sects of Christianity. The 13 plaintiffs, all religious clergy members belonging to different Christian sects, Unitarian Universalism, and Judaism, do not share those religious beliefs. This case is ongoing, with important implications outside of the reproductive rights arena. How can we call ourselves a democracy, not a theocracy, when we enact legislation in the name of the Judeo-Christian creator?

• As mentioned in L4GG’s 7/07/23 Repro Digest, Anonymous Plaintiffs, Hoosier Jews for Choice v. Medical Licensing Board of Indiana argues that Indiana’s abortion ban violates the religious freedom rights of the Jewish, Muslim, and spiritual plaintiffs. It therefore violates Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act; the plaintiffs’ respective religions do not hold the beliefs that life begins at conception or that a fetus is entitled to the rights of a human baby. Like other cases, this one also argues that Indiana’s constitutional clause prohibiting the state from preferentially treating any one religion is violated by the state's extreme abortion bans. This case is especially important because the plaintiffs were granted a preliminary injunction by Indiana state trial court in December 2022, meaning that while litigation continues, the abortion can cannot be enforced against the plaintiffs. The state has appealed this injunction. Americans United along with other organizations is continuing to advocate as to why the injunction should hold and the ban should not be enforced—not just for the plaintiffs, but for all Indiana residents. Although there is no clear outcome for this case right now, it demonstrates that courts even in states usually hostile towards reproductive rights and bodily autonomy may respond to a religious-freedom oriented argument to mitigate abortion bans.

Using religion to combat abortion bans is ingenious because it has so often been used to create them. This irony is compounded in the cases that use their states’ Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, which have been used to combat laws that aimed to fight discrimination and require insurance companies to cover contraceptives. 

Contrary to the recent abortion bans that often, whether explicitly or implicitly, use Christianity as an excuse for suffocating legislation, religion in America is not monolithic. To think so is both naïve and discriminatory. It is dangerous. These cases serve as beacons of hope in tough times for reproductive rights in America, using religious diversity to protect and progress and working to maintain our democracy.

List of PDFs

• Document: Complaint for Declaratory Relief and for Temporary and Permanent Injunction Declaring House Bill 5, Invalid Unconstitutional and Unenforceable (June 10, 2022) (Generation to Generation v. Florida)

• Document: Complaint for Declaratory Relief (Sobel v. Cameron)

• Missouri Constitution 

• Petition for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief (Blackmon v. Missouri) 

• Amended complaint in Blackmon v. Missouri 

• Anonymous Plaintiffs, Hoosier Jews for Choice v. Medical Licensing Board of Indiana

UPDATE: L4GG Works Directly With Federal Highways to Ensure that Billions of Federal Funding to States Prioritizes Climate and Equity

After Lawyers for Good Government (“L4GG”) condemned the Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”) for removing its support of climate and equity considerations in its guidance to states on how to spend $466 billion worth of funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) set aside for transportation projects, L4GG, along with its coalition partners, secured a key meeting with management at both the US Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and the FHWA to voice concerns relating to the revised guidance and to identify specific legal actions that both DOT and the FHWA can take to ensure that equity and climate are prioritized in state-level federal transportation spending. This work is a key component of L4GG’s larger strategy to ensure that BIL and Inflation Reduction Act funding is equitably implemented in states and local communities across the United States to prioritize equity and climate issues. 

L4GG coordinated with key coalition partners—NRDC, Communities First Infrastructure Alliance, Evergreen, and PolicyLink—to meet with over a dozen representatives at the FHWA, including the Director of FHWA and Secretary Pete Buttegieg’s undersecretary to discuss the FHWA’s removal of guidance on equity and climate considerations on the $300B allocated to states.  During the meeting, the coalition provided DOT and FHWA with concrete examples for incorporating equity and climate considerations in state-level transportation projects that involve federal funding.

In response to the meeting, the Director of FHWA, Shailan Bhatt, responded directly to L4GG attorneys in a letter, thanking L4GG for the meeting and restating the FHWA’s commitment to equity and climate change.  

Since the meeting with FHWA, L4GG, along with the coalition partners named above, have taken concrete steps to ensure FHWA adheres to this commitment, including providing comments on the IRA’s Environmental Review Implementation Program to ensure that streamlining projects under the National Environmental Policy Act, a key procedural hurdle needed to build highway infrastructure, does not cause negative equity or climate impacts.  Similarly, L4GG worked with key coalition partners and the Transportation Equity Caucus to provide detailed comments on DOT's Equity Action Plan.

In addition to this work, L4GG continues to work at the state and local levels to ensure the equitable implementation of federal dollars, including providing hands-on pro bono legal assistance to overburdened communities through the Decarbonization and Climate Resilience Clinic. 

L4GG: One year after Dobbs, we’re helping states like NY win the fight for bodily autonomy.

L4GG is thrilled to share some exciting news that will profoundly impact our community’s fight to protect our access to healthcare and bodily autonomy. Over the weekend, Governor Kathy Hochul signed two groundbreaking laws that significantly advance reproductive justice and the civil rights of transgender people in New York. This momentous achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of L4GG’s policy team and the collective support of advocates like you.

L4GG staff participated in significant advocacy efforts on both pieces of legislation. We worked with allies on the ground in New York and used our expertise in public health law and policy to ensure that the state grounded these new laws in strong constitutional, case law and statutory bases.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of all New Yorkers. With her leadership, New York sets an inspiring example for the rest of the nation.

Now, let's delve into the key provisions of each law:

Law #1: Strengthening Access to Reproductive Health Care

• Enables New York providers to offer telehealth reproductive health care and medication abortion to patients in states with restrictive abortion laws.

• Shields doctors, providers, and facilitators from litigation in those states.

• Prevents professional discipline for delivering reproductive telehealth services to out-of-state patients.

• Expands protections for New York healthcare providers treating out-of-state patients.

"This moment is a resounding victory for reproductive justice and a necessary step forward in protecting healthcare providers and patients. Through L4GG's Reproductive Health Legal Assistance project, we have witnessed firsthand the challenges doctors face navigating the rapidly changing and complex landscape of reproductive healthcare laws. With the signing of these laws in New York, both doctors and their patients are getting the protection they deserve."

- Alyssa Morisson, L4GG's Reproductive Justice Staff Attorney

Law #2: Safeguarding Trans Rights and Promoting LGBTQ+ Equality

• Prohibits child removal based on gender-affirming care in custody cases.

• Restricts law enforcement cooperation on gender-affirming care performed in New York.

• Prevents subpoenas related to out-of-state proceedings on gender-affirming care.

• Ensures addiction services based on gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation.

• Removes outdated and stigmatizing language from "sexual orientation" definition.

• Mandates gender-neutral terms in laws, rules, and resolutions.
  

"This law is a great first step and a meaningful signal that New York cares about its trans, non-binary, and intersex residents. It is constitutionally sound and incremental in its approach to reflect that these sorts of laws are untested and to protect people from harm while recommitting the state to our protection. We will continue to support New York advocates in their fight for the right to privacy and equitable healthcare for everyone in the state and help them achieve both rigorous and ambitious wins that center the needs of trans people. As cultural leaders and the originators of Pride throughout history, trans, non-binary, intersex, and gender nonconforming people have made this state great and belong here, now and always." 

- Khadijah Silver, L4GG Civil Rights Supervising Attorney

These achievements reinforce the urgency of L4GG's mission and underscore the vital role of good government in achieving meaningful change. This is just the beginning of the road – states and cities across the country are requesting L4GG’s help to ensure they are offering their residents the strongest protections possible, while remaining within the bounds of the law. It reinforces the urgency of L4GG's mission and underscores the vital role of good government in achieving meaningful change.

If you would like more frequent updates on the state of bodily autonomy laws in the country, subscribe to our bi-weekly Reproductive Health Digest, which highlights major changes in reproductive health laws across 56 states and territories.

L4GG extends its deepest gratitude to all those who have supported our crucial work. Together, we stand united in our commitment to protecting and advancing the rights and autonomy of all individuals in our community.