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American Bar backs equality in federal programs, voting rights for territories
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Posted on Aug 07 2020
The American Bar Association has added its voice in support of equality for residents of U.S. territories when it comes to participation in federal programs and the right to vote. This support comes through two resolutions introduced by the Virgin Islands Bar Association that were overwhelmingly adopted by the full ABA House of Delegates at this year’s virtual Annual Meeting. Anthony Ciolli, past president and delegate of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, spoke in favor of both resolutions to the ABA House of Delegates and helped shepherd their passage.
“The ABA’s support of equal rights in U.S. territories highlights how long-neglected issues facing residents of U.S. territories have become more mainstream throughout the United States,” said Neil Weare, president and founder of Equally American, which advocates for equality and civil rights for the 4 million Americans living in U.S. territories. “I appreciate the leadership of the Virgin Islands Bar association and Anthony Ciolli in raising these concerns to the highest level of the legal profession,” Weare added.
Hours before Tuesday’s landmark decision in Pena Martinez v. US Department of Health and Human Services, the ABA House of Delegates approved Resolution 10B supporting the equal application of federal benefits to residents of U.S. territories. Earlier, the ABA House of Delegates approved Resolution 10C supporting the expansion of voting rights in U.S. territories. The resolution reflects arguments raised by Equally American in Segovia v. United States, filed on behalf of residents of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. (PR)
MD: American Bar backs equality in federal programs, voting rights for territories
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