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.”
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
ACLU of Georgia Reiterates the Rights of Georgians to Protest Ahead of ‘No Kings’ Rally
Press Advisory: Georgians to Join the Largest Protest to Condemn President Trump’s Abuse of Power
Media Advisory: Protest Ready Georgia Virtual Kickoff
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