First Amendment Rights

First Amendment Rights

Freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly and petition -- this set of guarantees, protected by the First Amendment, comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression.

The ACLU works to make sure that all speech - even messages we vehemently disagree with - has a chance to be heard. We protect the right to leaflet and demonstrate on government property, sidewalks, and parks throughout the state. We oppose spying by federal and local agencies on groups and individuals based on their lawful political and religious beliefs, practices, and associations.

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU-PA Sues Upper Pottsgrove Township Over Meritless “SLAPP” Lawsuit

ACLU of Pennsylvania’s lawsuit against Pottsgrove Township seeks to recoup the attorney fees that Mr. Murray incurred as a result of the township’s lawsuit against him.  
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights, Open Government
Court Cases: Murray v. Upper Pottsgrove Township
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Press Release
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ACLU of Pa. Sues Pitt on Behalf of Suspended Palestinian Rights Student Club

ACLU-PA filed a federal free speech lawsuit against the University of Pittsburgh on behalf of Students for Justice in Palestine at Pitt (SJP-Pitt), a student organization recently placed on an indefinite, interim suspension by the school in apparent retaliation for the club’s political speech.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights
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What the First Amendment means for government posts on social media

Court Case
Jul 15, 2025

Murray v. Upper Pottsgrove Township

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and Catherine M. Harper of Timoney Knox, LLP filed a lawsuit against Upper Pottsgrove Township on behalf of Matthew Murray, a township resident who was advocating against the development of a piece of permanently protected public land. Mr. Murray filed a number of Right To Know requests to obtain township records regarding the development of the land. Using those records as evidence, Mr. Murray then successfully sued the township alleging that its development plan was in violation of the Pennsylvania Open Space Act. In retaliation, the township sued Mr. Murray in the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County, asking the court to issue an injunction to prevent Mr. Murray from filing additional Right To Know requests.That request was denied by the court and the township’s case was dismissed. The ACLU-PA’s lawsuit against the township draws on Pennsylvania’s 2024 law allowing a party to assert immunity or seek legal fees against another party for filing a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation or “SLAPP” litigation as a means to silence or intimidate critics. The lawsuit asks Upper Pottsgrove Township to reimburse Mr. Murray for the legal fees he incurred defending himself against the township’s meritless litigation.
Court Case
Apr 15, 2025

Students for Justice in Palestine at Pitt v. University of Pittsburgh

Court Case
Nov 20, 2024

Souderton Area For All v. Souderton Area School District

The ACLU of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against the Souderton Area School District regarding the district's ban of two parents and one former student from school property as retaliation for criticisms leveled at a school board member who posted lewd comments about VP Kamala Harris online.
Court Case
Aug 15, 2024

Re Student Free Speech at Temple University

The ACLU of Pennsylvania is representing two Temple University students who are facing disciplinary action from the university for their participation in a demonstration opposing Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands and its military assault in Gaza.