ACLU takes fight to Court TV April 15

NEW YORK – "The ACLU Freedom Files," a new 10-part series, tells the stories of everyday Americans whose civil liberties have been threatened, and how they fought back. On April 15 the show will illustrate the tragic consequences for lesbian and gay families when they are denied legal protections. The series debuted on Court TV in February and has already addressed religious freedom and voting rights.
The April 15 show tells the stories of several couples: Alvin and Nigel, Carol and Heather, and Earl and Sam.
Alvin and Nigel are raising three foster children. Because adoption law in Maryland says they both can't adopt at the same time, Alvin currently has no parental rights, and worries that he would lose the children if something were to happen to Nigel.
Even though Carol had secured the necessary legal documents, she was denied the right to be with Heather when Heather was being treated for cancer.
Earl and Sam shared their lives and ranch for 23 years. When Earl died, Sam lost the home they built together because the state refused to recognize their relationship and claimed Earl's will was not valid.
"'Freedom Files' exists to humanize issues that some in our society would like to demonize," said ACLU executive director Anthony D. Romero. "The men and women whose stories we tell are, like many of us, concerned parents and loving partners. All of these shows put faces on our national struggles."
In addition to airing on Court TV, "The ACLU Freedom Files" is also available on satellite television network Link TV on the second Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. EDT/PDT and on college television network Zilo TV. Past episodes are streamed at http://www.aclu.tv, and viewers can join the Producers Club to take action and get free DVDs.