MCLU to honor legislators for opposing Real ID plan

PORTLAND – The Maine Civil Liberties Union next month will honor Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and two legislators for their work in opposing the federal Real ID national identification card.

Dunlap, Sen. Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, and Rep. Scott Lansley, R-Sabattus, will be presented the 2007 Roger Baldwin Award at the MCLU’s annual meetings on Jan. 9 in Portland and Jan. 10 in Bangor.

The three were instrumental in leading a national revolt against the Real ID law by passing a state resolution objecting to it, according to an MCLU press release issued Wednesday. Sixteen other states followed suit and implementation of the federal law has now been put on hold.

“Secretary Dunlap, Senator Mitchell and Representative Lansley demonstrated extraordinary bipartisan leadership paving the way for a nationwide movement,” said Shenna Bellows, executive director of the civil rights organization. “In these times, we applaud these political leaders who have been willing to stand up in defense of our fundamental freedoms.”

A ceremony will held at 6 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Bangor Public Library.

The Baldwin Award honors Mainers who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the protection of civil liberties. It is named for Roger Baldwin, the founder of the American Civil Liberties Union.