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.

First Amendment Rights

What you need to know

2005

We won the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District case, that ruled teaching Intelligent Design Creationism as an alternative to evolution in public schools was unconstitutional.

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.


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News & Commentary
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How to fight back when the federal government tries to silence you online

The freedom to openly criticize the government without penalty or punishment is the keystone of our democracy. Free and spirited debate helps inform voters and keeps our elected officials accountable to their oath of office to serve the people and defend the Constitution. 
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Science

Intelligent Design Challenge

In December of 2005, a federal court in Pennsylvania issued a ruling in Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District that an effort to teach so-called Intelligent Design Creationism as an alternative to evolution in public schools was an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.
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Religious Liberty

Religious Liberty

Americans enjoy a degree of religious freedom unknown in most of the rest of the world.
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Open Government

Open Government

The courts have recognized that the public’s right to know what the government is doing is protected by the First Amendment.
Legislation
May 28, 2025

SB 790 | Limiting right to know requests from repeat requesters

Position: Oppose
Legislation
May 06, 2025

SB 127 | Adopting IHRA definition of antisemitism in PA Holocaust education requirements

Position: Oppose
Legislation
May 06, 2025

SB 10 | Private school vouchers

Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jun 24, 2024

SB 1260 | Stand with Israel Act

Position: Oppose