Ed Yohnka—ACLU

On May 8, 2008, Edward Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) spoke at our lunch meeting. Ed acknowledged that the primary goal of the ACLU, that of protecting individual rights, is a tough business because the position of the ACLU on most issues is contrary to the majority of public opinion.It has always been Ed’s feeling that if the positions of the ACLU became mainstream, he would have to look for a new job.

In Ed’s opinion, however, since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, many of the positions of the ACLU have indeed become mainstream. As examples, the ACLU advocates against the following: torture of terror suspects, establishment of detention facilities, warrantless wire taps, and detention of persons without charges filed promptly. The ACLU has also advocated in favor of the closure of the US detention facility and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the restoration of full habeas corpus rights. Ed believes that the majority of Americans now agree with the ACLU’s position on these issues. He has concluded that the “seismic shift” in American public opinion has occurred with out much yelling and screaming because the public has been given sufficient time to consider the US government’s actions since, and in response to, September 11, 2001.

Ed then addressed what types of adult relationships should receive recognition and benefits from the US government. He contrasted his own relationship with his wife and her child, with that of a gay couple that adopts a child. Ed suggested that both couples have committed themselves to each other and their children, and gone to extraordinary lengths to establish protections for themselves, their assets, and their familial relationships. In his opinion however, the religious views of the majority have dominated public policy on this issue and discriminated against the gay couple and their child. Ed promoted a “denomination-neutral” public policy, which recognizes that gay couples are everywhere in our communities, and serve and contribute to those communities in the same ways as all people. Ed concluded by requesting that all of us support the current proposal in the Illinois House of Representatives to establish a legally recognized “civil union” that would provide marriage-like benefits to gay and other non-married couples.