First Amendment and Democracy

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The First Amendment is the cornerstone of our free society. The ACLU of Southern California is dedicated to ensuring that all people are free to express themselves – politically, artistically, socially and through other forms of personal expression – without government interference.

The ACLU SoCal is also committed to advocating for strong open government laws and – when necessary bringing cases under those laws – to ensuring that government is transparent and that people have access to public meetings and government records, which enable them to hold the government accountable.

The Latest


News & Commentary
A typical generic American school campus.

A Multi-Generational Fight for Desegregated Schools in Los Angeles

For more than 40 years, equal access to educational opportunities of Los Angeles students under the California Constitution have been protected by a court order. Now, those court-ordered protections are being challenged.
Press Release
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Federal Court Orders Protection for Observing, Recording or Reporting DHS Operations in the Central District of California

Ruling in L.A. Press Club v. Mullin affirms journalists, legal observers, and members of the public have a constitutional right to document federal enforcement activity
Press Release
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ACLU and Co-Counsel Statements on LAPC V. Mullin Approval of Class Certification for People who Record DHS Operations

Know Your Rights
Voting Rights

Know Your Voting Rights

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Legislation
Jun 2, 2020

Free the Vote for Californians on Parole (ACA 6)

Status: Passed both chambers
Position: Support