Free Speech Icon

Free Speech

The right to express yourself regardless of the popularity your views is basic to a democratic society. Throughout its history, the ACLU has met challenges from officials who cite reasons old and new to restrict this right. We recognize that if one person can be silenced, all of us are at risk.
Know Your Rights: Street Speech. Can I pass out flyers to crowds at a mall? A farmers market? At a school or campus? Find out!

Joint statement regarding settlement in S.A.F.E. v. Selah

S.A.F.E. and the City of Selah, WA have agreed to a settlement

A photo of the supreme court of the United States by Photo by Ian Hutchinson from Unsplash

FAQ: Washington and the 303 Creative v. Elenis Case

Preliminary guidance on how this decision will impact Washington.

Resources

ACLU Condemns Attack on Burien Mayor Jimmy Matta

News Release, Published: 
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
No American should be subject to racial threats and violence for expressing their political views.  It is especially harmful to democracy when an elected official is attacked for his public policy positions.  We applaud Mayor Matta for standing up to these racist acts.  And we applaud Mayor Matta for his support of sanctuary cities and of our immigrant communities.
Read more

Civil Liberties in the State Legislature - 2018 Legislative Session

Published: 
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Civil liberties highlights from the 2018 Washington State Legislative Session
Read more

PSA to Student Protestors: You Have Rights

Published: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Washington Law Protects Against Suspensions for Walkouts
Read more

ACLU Urges State Legislators to Respect Free Speech Rights on Social Media

News Release, Published: 
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
The ACLU of Washington is urging state legislators to respect the free speech rights of constituents on legislators’ social media pages.
Read more

The Rights of Protesters

Published: 
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Protest—and engagement in vigorous political debate—lies at the core of our democracy.  But incitement to violence, and actual participation in violence, has no place in the First Amendment. Cities and their police departments have a duty to protect all residents from physical violence while accommodating the rights of all people who seek to protest. Here are some questions and answers about First Amendment, free speech, and protest rights.
Read more

Pages