Free Speech
Court Cases
Court cases to protect Rhode Islanders' freedom of speech are among the Affiliate's most numerous. Our volunteer attorneys fight tirelessly to protect the right to petition and protest and to be free from censorship.
Legislation
In 2009, the Affiliate lobbied against legislation that violate first amendment rights--cyberstalking legislation and a bill that would limit the right to strike.
In 2008 the RI ACLU lobbied against cyberharassment legislation that would have violated free speech rights.
In 2007 several bills that threatened first rights defeated.
Free Speech In the News
November 9, 2011 - ACLU Opposes Polling Place Ban on Political Buttons
October 5, 2011 - ACLU Objects to Proposal to Ban Signs at City Council Meetings
March 7, 2010 - North Kingstown Political Sign Case Resolved
October 20, 2010 - ACLU Challenges North Kingstown Political Sign Ordinance on Behalf of Congressional Candidate
November 4, 2009 - ACLU Calls on Pawtucket to Allow Sexuality Education Center to Open
September 10, 2009 - ACLU of Massachusetts Petitions Court for Release of Richard Hatch, Jailed For Speaking to the Media
August 24, 2009 - ACLU Settles Warwick Political Sign Ordinance Challenge
August 20, 2009 - ACLU Condemns Jailing of Richard Hatch for Speaking to the Media
July 28, 2009 - Family Court Order Restricting Free Speech Rights on the Internet is Dismissed
July 22, 2009 -- ACLU Challenges Family Court Order Restricting Free Speech Rights on the Internet
June 11, 2009 -- ACLU Calls on Providence Mayor to Withdraw “Protest Registration Forms”
April 21, 2009 -- ACLU Files Brief in Irons Case; Criticizes Position of Ethics Commission
March 20, 2009 -- RI ACLU Testifies Against Government Oversight of Private Youth Sports Organizations
February 3, 2009 -- Suit Filed Over Restrictive State Ballot Access Law
November 25, 2008 -- Settlement Reached in Political Sign Case
October 14, 2008 -- Restraining Order Issued Against West Warwick Political Sign Ordinance
October 9, 2008 -- ACLU Challenges West Warwick Political Sign Ordinance And Its Selective Enforcement Against Local Critic
August 5, 2008 -- Court Strikes Down Law Used To Remove Candidate's Political Signs
February, 1, 2008 -- ACLU Files Court Brief In Support Of Attorney General's Right To Speak Out In Lead Paint Case
September 25, 2007-- ACLU Settles Suit Against Rhode Island College for Censoring Reproductive Rights Sign Display
August 6, 2007 -- Lawsuit Challenges Town's Removal of Congressional Candidate's Political Signs
February 6, 2007-- ACLU Calls Rhode Island College Position That It Is Not Subject to the Constitution "Shocking"
January 19, 2007 -- Commissioner of Education Overturns Ban of Student Yearbook Photo
December 5, 2006 -- In Victory for Free Speech, Slapp Suit is Dismissed
December 4, 2006 -- ACLU Files Free Speech Suit Against Rhode Island College for Censoring Reproductive Rights Sign Display
November 1, 2006 -- Document Confirms that RI Peace Protest Was Entered in Federal Terrorism Database
June 14, 2006 -- ACLU Sues Pentagon to Uncover Surveillance of Local Peace Groups
May 8, 2006 -- ACLU Challenges Political Canvassing Restrictions in East Greenwich
February 2, 2006 -- ACLU Responds to Secret Service Investigation of Student Essay
February 1, 2006 -- ACLU of Rhode Island Seeks Pentagon Files on Peace Groups
December 22, 2005 -- Contempt Motion Filed Against Anthony Fire District Chief
Providence, RI 02903