Queer in Fear: The Role of Homophobia and Transphobia in Wrongful Convictions

This paper will explore how the criminal justice system’s ingrained prejudice against LGBTQ2S+ people can lead to wrongful convictions. Primarily, this paper will focus on the negative stereotypes of and myths surrounding queer people, rooted in homophobia and transphobia, that …

Wrongfully Convicted Anna Vasquez Named to Houston Forensic Lab Board

“In 2006, advocates with the National Center for Reason and Justice got involved. The case was one of several they argued were involved with national hysteria around satanic ritual abuse.”

The NCRJ is proud that we could play a part …

The San Antonio Four Declared Innocent — Please Help the NCRJ

photo credit: debbie nathan

THE SAN ANTONIO 4 — Anna Vasquez, Elizabeth Ramirez, Cassie Rivera, and Kristie Mayhugh — are innocent. So declared the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on November 23, 2016.

The four young Chicana lesbians were …

Women known as ‘San Antonio Four’ are exonerated by Texas’ highest court after almost 15 years in prison

los angeles times

“Those defendants have won the right to proclaim to the citizens of Texas that they did not commit a crime. That they are innocent. That they deserve to be exonerated,” Judge David Newell wrote in the majority …

HERE ARE SOME CLEAR STEPS YOU CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO HELP THE SAN ANTONIO FOUR WITH THEIR EXONERATION BATTLE

photo: debbie nathan

Act now to exonerate the San Antonio Four! Follow these suggestions at the Southwest of Salem website.

Also consider a donation to the National Center for Reason and Justice.…

Inside Case Behind Wrongful Conviction Doc ‘Southwest of Salem’

“Homophobia and hysteria didn’t deprive these women of their freedom – prosecutors did. The state’s reluctance to take responsibility in a case where its failings have been unusually well-documented and publicized suggests locking up the occasional innocent person isn’t that …

Unheard but Unafraid: The Story of the San Antonio 4

“There was never a day I just never stopped fighting or looked for strength from God. I never gave up,” Elizabeth said. “I had three friends incarcerated with me and my family, and that was my strength to say I’m …

What It’s Like to Be Falsely Branded a Satanic Child Molester

“In the file of worst possible things that could happen to you, being falsely accused of sexually abusing young children, and then convicted and imprisoned for over a decade, is probably close to the top of the pile.

“This is …

Act Now to Help Exonerate the San Antonio Four

photo credit: debbie nathan

Here are some things you can do right now to help them find justice.…

A Different Kind of Horror Film

“What makes Southwest of Salem even more extraordinary is that it is Esquenazi’s first feature film. The Austin resident uses a sure hand to guide the viewer through a complicated narrative, laying out the facts while still deftly conveying the …