District Attorney Candidates Debate War on Drugs and RAVE Act Legislation Targeting Electronic Music Culture

ACLU National Drug Policy Director Moderates Forum
For Immediate Release: October 15, 2003

SAN FRANCISCO—District Attorney candidates will debate “The RAVE Act, the War on Drugs and Civil Liberties in San Francisco” on Thursday, October 16, 2003 at the SOMArts Gallery at 934 Brannan Street from 7-10 p.m. Graham Boyd, director of the ACLU Drug Policy Litigation will moderate the debate.

The RAVE Act, renamed the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act of 2003, remains a controversial issue for many San Francisco residents because it may hold owners and promoters of entertainment venues criminally liable for the actions of their patrons.

“The DEA has unfairly demonized electronic music culture, using the RAVE Act to intimidate club owners and promoters who engage in perfectly legal activities,” said Graham Boyd of the ACLU. “San Francisco stands apart for its active embrace of night life and dance. A debate among D.A. candidates will provide a good test of the City’s resolve in standing up to federal bullying tactics.” Boyd has been active in opposing the RAVE Act because it unfairly punishes businesses for the crimes of their customers and because it threatens musical expression, free speech, and the right to dance.

The debate also comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court announcing that it will allow California’s medical marijuana law to stand unimpeded. Boyd is the lead attorney in that case, and he will ask the candidates how they plan to honor the will of California voters who support medical marijuana.

The candidates’ forum is hosted by the San Francisco Late night Coalition (SFLNC).