Free Speech
The First Amendment protects our freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly, and to petition the government. The ACLU of Montana works to ensure that these freedoms are preserved for all of us.
The 1st Amendment guarantees the right to...
- free exercise of religion
- freedom of speech
- freedom of the press
- peacefully assemble
- petition the government for a redress of grievances
First Amendment protections for freedom of speech, of the press, of association, of assembly and petition are the essentials of freedom of expression. The Supreme Court has written that this freedom is "the matrix, the indispensable condition of nearly every other form of freedom." Without freedom of expression other rights, like the right to vote and to be free from racial discrimination, would be impossible to protect.
The ACLU of Montana makes protecting First Amendment rights a top priority in its public policy, public education and legal programs. You have a right to express yourself, to meet with whomever you choose, and to criticize the government. The ACLU of Montana also works to protect First Amendment rights related to digital privacy, freedom of religion, freedom of speech (both online and off), and more. In addition, we oppose efforts to ban books at public libraries and public schools.
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