Federal appeals court debates law barring gay student groups from campus
Jan. 24, 1997
ATLANTA -- In an important First Amendment and gay rights case, a federal appeals court will debate an Alabama law that bars state-run universities from recognizing gay student groups or allowing open discussions about gay issues on campus. The argument will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. before a three-judge panel in Atlanta.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which brought the challenge with the ACLU of Alabama, argues that the law is in clear violation of the gay students' First Amendment right to free speech and association.
The 1992 law, which was struck down by a federal judge last year, bars "any college or university from spending public funds or using public facilities... to sanction, recognize, or
support any group that promotes a lifestyle or actions prohibited by the sodomy and sexual misconduct laws" of the state.
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WHAT: Federal appeals court hears challenge to Alabama law barring universities from recognizing gay students groups and allowing open discussions about sexual orientation.
WHO: Matt Coles, director of the ACLU's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, will argue the case.
WHERE: U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, 56 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta
WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 1997
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