Washington, D.C. – The American Bar Association (ABA) Human Rights Magazine has called Democracy Forward the “Human Rights Hero of Our Time,” in an article recognizing the group’s work “to ensure that those without power or resources remain able to defend themselves.”
“When the rule of law and democracy itself are under attack, courts have been the bulwark of their defense, but courts cannot act if lawyers lack the courage to bring cases to challenge abuses of power. At a moment when some have proven reluctant to risk drawing the attention of those who may abuse their power, Democracy Forward has stepped up again and again to ensure that those without power or resources remain able to defend themselves,” writes Justin Houppert, Senior Associate General Counsel at the ABA. “Everyone who values the rule of law and democratic principles that are foundational to the freedoms that this country has enjoyed for over two centuries should be grateful for Democracy Forward.”
The column spotlights Democracy’s Forward’s work on behalf of the ABA to fight – and win – for the restoration of federal funding intended to train and provide technical assistance to lawyers and judges who work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The U.S. Department of Justice singled the ABA out for what the Deputy Attorney General called “support of activist causes” and the ABA’s litigation against the federal government. A court granted a preliminary injunction in the case, and the government walked away from the matter a few months later.
“This recognition by the ABA is a powerful testament to our team’s perseverance and commitment to defending and protecting the American people, our Constitution, and rule of law,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “As the administration continues to threaten the legal profession and our system of justice, we will remain committed to upholding our professional obligations to defend the Constitution and call on all attorneys to do the same. We are grateful to the ABA for its ongoing leadership and commitment to protecting our democracy, upholding the values and standards of the legal profession.”
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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.
