Table of Contents
- Freedom of Speech and Assembly
- Police Misconduct
- Reproductive Freedom
- LGBTQ+ Rights
- Immigration Rights
- Voting Rights
Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting them—and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is here to help. Whether you’re protesting, seeking healthcare, facing discrimination, or defending your right to vote, the ACLU works to ensure that your civil liberties are upheld. In this post, we break down six key areas the ACLU defends—and what that means for you in real-life scenarios.
1. Freedom of Speech and Assembly
The First Amendment protects your right to express yourself publicly—and the ACLU makes sure that right isn’t suppressed.
You can legally participate in protests, carry signs, chant slogans, and assemble peacefully in public spaces. The ACLU steps in when these rights are violated—such as when police break up lawful demonstrations without cause or when protest permits are unfairly denied.
Real example: After a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest was forcibly dispersed, the ACLU filed a lawsuit citing First Amendment violations and won a settlement for affected protestors.
Why it matters: These protections ensure that marginalized voices are not silenced and that public accountability remains a cornerstone of democracy.
2. Police Misconduct
Police authority doesn’t mean unchecked power—and the ACLU helps draw the legal line.
You have the right to film police in public, and officers must follow the Constitution during stops, searches, and arrests. If they use excessive force or conduct illegal searches, the ACLU may intervene through litigation.
Case in point: The ACLU has challenged unlawful surveillance, racial profiling, and violent crowd control tactics used during protests.
What you can do: Learn how to safely record police interactions with the Know Your Rights Guide.
3. Reproductive Freedom
Access to reproductive healthcare is a civil right—and one the ACLU actively defends in court.
They challenge state-level laws that restrict abortion, birth control access, or impose medically unnecessary procedures. Their legal victories have prevented the closure of clinics and overturned harmful legislation.
Example: The ACLU recently helped block a law in a southern state that would’ve banned nearly all abortions after six weeks.
Takeaway: No matter where you live, you should have the freedom to make decisions about your body. The ACLU works to ensure that.
4. LGBTQ+ Rights
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal—and the ACLU works to keep it that way.
They’ve won major Supreme Court cases affirming that LGBTQ+ individuals cannot be fired or denied services simply for who they are. They also combat anti-trans legislation affecting everything from healthcare to restroom access.
Illustrative victory: In Bostock v. Clayton County, the ACLU helped argue that Title VII protects LGBTQ+ employees from workplace discrimination.
Impact: These legal wins empower individuals to live openly, without fear of retaliation.
5. Immigration Rights
The Constitution protects all people within U.S. borders—including immigrants, regardless of documentation status.
The ACLU provides legal resistance against unlawful detentions, family separations, and due process violations in immigration courts. They also challenge state laws that attempt to sidestep federal immigration policy.
Example: When border agents detained children for extended periods without basic necessities, the ACLU sued and forced better conditions.
Helpful link: Explore the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project.
5. Voting Rights
Voting is a foundational right—and the ACLU is on the front lines of making sure it’s protected.
They fight back when states enact voter ID laws, close polling stations in vulnerable communities, or purge voter rolls unfairly. These legal battles help ensure that all eligible voters have access to the ballot box.
Recent action: In Georgia, the ACLU successfully challenged a law that would have made absentee voting more difficult for thousands.
What you can do: If your voter registration is challenged or your polling place is moved, contact your local ACLU affiliate for help.
The ACLU exists so your rights don’t just live in theory—they’re protected in practice. From free speech to fair voting, these core liberties shape your life every day. By knowing exactly what the ACLU defends, you’re better equipped to protect yourself and others.
If any of your rights are being threatened, don’t hesitate—take action now. Whether you’re seeking support or want to get involved, the ACLU provides the legal, educational, and advocacy tools to make a real difference.