NC NAACP Statement Regarding Opinion Rendered in LaRoque v. Holder

 

For Immediate Release

July 9, 2011

For More Information:        Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, President, 919-394-8137

                                               Amina Turner, Executive Director, 919-682-4700

                                               Jennifer Marsh, Legal Redress Coordinator, 919-682-4700

Federal District Court to Hear North Carolina Case LaRoque v Holder,

Which Seeks to Challenge Constitutionality of Section 5 of Voting Rights Act:

Civil Rights Community Prepares for a Strong Defense

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rendered an opinion yesterday on the appeal of the Kinston-based case LaRoque v. Holder. The case was previously dismissed by the Federal District Court for a lack of standing and cause of action. The case was brought by several plaintiffs, including NC House of Representative Stephen LaRoque, as a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.

"We believe when the facts in this case are litigated, the court will rule in favor of justice and equality; and will protect the fundamentals of the Voting Rights Act of 1965," said Rev. Dr. William J Barber, II, President of the North Carolina NAACP.

The three judge panel held that one plaintiff, who asserted that he wanted to run for the City Council, should be allowed to challenge the constitutionality of the Voting Rights Act.  The opinion rendered today overturned the previous ruling, sending the case back to District Court to be litigated on the merits. Our previous argument as to why this case should not be heard was rooted in history. In the past, African American citizens often petitioned the court in similar circumstances and their right to be heard was denied.

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