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Updated 10.29.07 The First Amendment guarantees us the right to freedom of expression,
which includes:
- The right to associate with whom we choose.
- The right to protest and dissent.
- The freedom to read what we choose without censorship or
intimidation.
- The right to express ourselves artistically.
- Freedom of the press.
- The right to a redress of grievances.
- Religious liberty and the separation of church and state.
The ACLU plays a significant role in the ongoing struggle to preserve
Americans’ right to freedom of expression -- a hallmark of a democratic
society and perhaps the most precious of our Constitutional guarantees.
What’s Happening Nationally
USA Patriot Act
Section 215 of the Act contains several provisions that infringe on our
First Amendment rights. For instance, the FBI could spy on a person
because they don't like the books she reads, or because they don't like
the web sites she visits. They could spy on her because she wrote a
letter to the editor that criticized government policy. These kinds of
government intrusions create a chilling effect on the exercise of free
speech rights.
Learn more about the reauthorization of the
USA Patriot Act on the
national ACLU website.
Visit our web page on
government spying.
What's Happening in Ohio
Ohio General Assembly
Senate Bill 9, also referred to as the Ohio Patriot Act, became law in
April 2006. It was introduced in an attempt to expand state
anti-terrorism laws. The law threatens many of our freedoms, including
the right to dissent.
Read more about the
Ohio Patriot Act.
ACLU of Ohio litigation
Phelps-Roper v. Taft
In 2006, Ohio passed a law restricting protests and picketing one
hour before, during or after a funeral. The ACLU filed suit, asserting
the ban is too broad and infringes on Ohioans' free speech rights.
Read the legal docket.
Read
the 08.25.06 press release.
Henry v. Cincinnati
Cincinnati has enacted an anti-panhandling ordinance, which is
ostensibly designed to prevent aggressive panhandlers from harassing
passersby. The ordinance contains several provisions that run afoul of
the First Amendment.
Read the legal docket.
Apanovitch v. Wilkinson
The State of Ohio conducts the “intubation phase” of the lethal
injection process outside public view. The process of inserting the
catheter into the veins of the condemned, while graphic and sometime
gruesome, is a necessary part of the execution.
Read the legal docket.
Read
the 05.02.06 press release.
Read the 09.25.03
press release.
Why the ACLU
supports public viewing of executions
Get active!
Host a discussion on First Amendment rights or other topics that
interest you.
Students! Know Your Rights
Use this guide in conjunction with your school's handbook.
go»
Resources
10 Things You Can Do to Protect Free Speech
Why
the ACLU Defends Free Speech for Unpopular Groups
Right to Protest wallet card
Free speech
page of the national ACLU website
Read Free Speech related press releases and news articles in our
News Center.
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news center