First Amendment

“The very reason for the First Amendment is to make the people of this country free to think, speak, write and worship as they wish, not as the Government commands.”

protest signs

What you need to know

1920s

Since the 1920s, the ACLU has been involved in virtually all of the landmark speech cases to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

1933

A nationwide ban on "Ulysses," a novel by James Joyce, was lifted in 1933 following an ACLU challenge.

1997

In a landmark 1997 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the ACLU’s argument that the Internet itself is a free-speech zone.

Free expression continues to be a legislative priority for ACLU of Georgia. We will champion for the right to free expression and safe protest for all Georgians.

PROTEST

Across Georgia and the nation, the right to speak freely, protest, and advocate for change is central to a thriving democracy. At this pivotal time, it is more important than ever to ensure that every person can exercise their First Amendment rights. Protest is not only a vital form of expression and unity - it is a safeguard for democracy itself.

To meet this moment, the ACLU of Georgia has launched Protest Ready GA, a resource hub for protest rights in Georgia.

Protest Ready GA is an initiative to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and support to protest peacefully. Through protest, we stand up for our beliefs and start a conversation about our values. This resource hub provides comprehensive guidance before, during, and after protest activities— from “Know Your Rights” materials and legal observer training, to permitting assistance and potential legal action

CENSORSHIP

Free speech is one of our most foundational rights as Americans and Georgians, and it should be protected fervently. Censoring speech in our most sacred places – schools, communities, and online – prevents expression that is tantamount to principles of open discourse and debate. The ACLU of Georgia will continue advocating for Georgians’ First Amendment right to openly express protected speech.

EDUCATION

LGBTQ+ children are students in Georgia schools, and their identities and experiences should not be stifled or ignored. Including LGBTQ+ lessons, books and discussions in school curricula encourages open discussion and protects the right to learn. The First Amendment guarantees young people’s right to an equitable education, and the ACLU of Georgia will be a relentless champion for fair and accurate learning.

GEORGIA'S CLASSROOM CENSORSHIP BILL (HB 1084)

This legislation was signed into law in early 2022. It prevents the use of and reliance on a curriculum that teaches “certain concepts on race.” Our students should be able to learn about race and racism in the same way they learn about math and science–as accurately as possible. This legislation puts politicians between students and their teachers.

The Latest

Press Release
Placeholder image

ACLU of Georgia Reiterates the Rights of Georgians to Protest Ahead of ‘No Kings’ Rally

In advance of protests this weekend, the ACLU of Georgia remains concerned about the state’s overreaching domestic terrorism law being used to quell dissent.
Issue Areas: First Amendment
Press Release
Placeholder image

Press Advisory: Georgians to Join the Largest Protest to Condemn President Trump’s Abuse of Power

On Saturday, Georgians will join what is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Donald Trump returned to office.
Issue Areas: First Amendment
Press Release
Placeholder image

Media Advisory: Protest Ready Georgia Virtual Kickoff

Join us online for the virtual launch of Protest Ready GA, a new initiative by the ACLU of Georgia supporting protesters across the state.
Issue Areas: First Amendment
Press Release
Placeholder image

Letter: Sandy Springs’ Proposed Ordinances Limit Free Speech

We sent a letter to Sandy Springs City Council regarding ordinances that will limit how people can canvas, protest, and distribute materials in the city.
Court Case
Oct 22, 2021

Williams v Powell

Court Case
Aug 25, 2020

Hoevver v Carraway

Court Case
Mar 29, 2018

Rasman v. Stancil

Court Case
Mar 16, 2018

Solomon v. The Mayor and Alderman of the City of Savannah