First Amendment

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines five fundamental rights that individuals have with regard to the government: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom to petition the government, and freedom of religion.

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Learn about the First Amendment's five fundamental rights, and scroll down to explore our work protecting First Amendment rights in Rhode Island through litigation, advocacy, and education.

The Latest


Know Your Rights
Photo from a protest of a man wearing a black jacket and gloves holding a sign with a megaphone and a star graphic, with the text "dissent is patriotic" and the ACLU logo.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Protests & Demonstrations

Know your rights when it comes to protests, marches and demonstrations.
Know Your Rights
Red and blue photo of a student talking into a megaphone

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Students & The First Amendment

News & Commentary
Yellow and blue graphic with an image of actors rehearsing on a stage.

First Circuit Hears Arguments in Case Challenging Viewpoint-Based Penalties in Federal Funding for the Arts   

Theater and arts groups asked the court to uphold a court ruling that blocked the government from restricting NEA funding based on perceived ideology
News & Commentary
Pink and dark red graphic including ACLU of RI, RICADV, and Lawyer's Committee for RI logos

Rhode Island Court Rules in Favor of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors, Protecting Crucial Grants to Support Victims of Violence Nationwide

Final Ruling Follows Series of Court Orders Blocking Unlawful Administration Attempt to Weaponize Violence Prevention Funding
Legislation
May 31, 2026

Prohibiting Obscene Material (S 2595)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Apr 22, 2026

Street Solicitations (S 2969)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Apr 2, 2026

Unlawful Interference with Traffic (H 7550, S 2296)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Mar 26, 2026

Social Media Algorithms (H 7954)

Status: Held for Further Study
Position: Oppose