AUSTIN -- The ACLU is encouraged by 51st District Judge Barbara Walther's scheduling of a hearing for 2 p.m. today to address yesterday's Texas Supreme Court decision that the state's removal of over 400 children from the Yearning for Zion Ranch (YFZ) in Eldorado was unwarranted. The Supreme Court decision let stand an appellate ruling that Judge Walther must vacate her order granting custody of all of the YFZ children to the Department of Family and Protective Services.
"We are glad to see that the district court is moving quickly in response to the Texas Supreme Court's ruling," said Lisa Graybill, Legal Director of the ACLU. "We urge Judge Walther to expedite the process of implementing that ruling and rectifying the significant procedural and constitutional errors attorneys and advocacy organizations such as the ACLU identified with the original proceedings."
The ACLU of Texas and the ACLU submitted an amicus curiae brief to the Supreme Court yesterday, arguing that the children's removal did not comport with due process requirements contained in the Texas and United States Constitutions.
To review the ACLU's brief, please click the link at the bottom of the page. The ACLU's previous statements on the FLDS matter are also available online to review:
Texas Supreme Court Calls Removal Of Children From Yearning For Zion Ranch "Unwarranted" - May 29
ACLU Brief at Texas Supreme Court: State Can't Separate Families Based Solely On Beliefs - May 29
ACLU Statement On Texas Appellate Court Decision Regarding Yearning For Zion Ranch - May 22
ACLU Statement on YFZ Ranch - May 2
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