Indiana governor rescinds new Statehouse security rules limiting protests

In the face of protests over a “right to work” law, allowing workers to opt out of paying union dues, state authorities imposed a 3,00 person crowd cap to entering the Statehouse. The governor lifted the restrictions after input from the public and media. -db From the Evansville Courier & Press, January 4, 2012, by [...]

A&A: Where can we legally hold a protest?

Q: I have a small group that would like to do a small Black Friday protest that would be focused on expressing gratitude and inviting passers-by to do the same (probably via posters, video messages, and large white boards) as an alternative to consumerism. I would like to know where we can protest. We want [...]

Los Angeles Times editorial sides with Secret Service in arrest of protesting man

When the U.S. Supreme Court decides the case of a protesting man arrested for laying a hand on then-Vice President Dick Cheney in a shopping mall in 2006, it will have to balance the man’s free speech rights against the need of the Secret Service to make difficult split-second decisions to protect life, in this [...]

Protesters argue that Occupy tents are part of their free speech statement

Some legal experts are drawing an analogy between the Occupy tents and the burning flag in assessing the right of protesters, and some protesters see the tent as a symbol of hardships during tough economic times, a statement that should be protected by the First Amendment. -db From an analysis for the Citizens Media Law [...]

Police stonewall request for records in use of force on Occupy Oakland demonstrators

The Oakland Police Department has refused to release records about the October 25 police action against Occupy Oakland demonstrators. The ACLU is trying to determine if the department adhered to its own policies on the use of force. The ACLU of Northern California and the National Lawyers’ Guild had made a public records request for [...]

Milwaukee newspaper photographer arrested covering rally supporting Occupy Wall Street

In attempting to clear a street, Milwaukee policemen arrested a Milwaukee Sentinel Journal photographer covering a march near a university campus in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement. The police claimed the photographer did not identify herself as a journalist. -db From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 2, 2011, by By Karen Herzog with contributions [...]

Federal judge bags Michigan law limiting funeral protests

A federal judge ruled that Michigan’s law limiting funeral protests was unconstitutional in prohibiting conduct that would “adversely affect” a funeral. The judge said the law violated the First Amendment and was unconstitutionally vague. The ACLU sued on behalf of an army veteran and his wife arrested for displaying signs and bumper stickers critical of [...]

ACLU delegation in Puerto Rico finds police used excessive force against protestors

A delegation sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union found that police were routinely using excessive force against students, journalists and union members during protests in Puerto Rico. Students said that they had been beaten, sexually harassed or groped by police during protests over school fees and budget cuts. -db From the Amerian Civil Liberties [...]

ACLU sponsors delegation to Puerto Rico to document civil liberties violations

The American Civil Liberties Union is leading a delegation to San Juan, Puerto Rico to investigate possible civil liberties and human rights violations. Actor Rosie Perez and ex-baseball player Carlos Delgado are part of the team for the fact-finding mission. The release reads, “During the past 18 months, individuals protesting at the University of Puerto [...]

Protestors included in Pennsylvania Homeland Security anti-terrorist report

American Civil Liberties Union Commentary January 20, 2011 A retired Air Force officer and anti-drilling activist  received a Pennsylvania Homeland Security  bulletin that listed her activities against drilling in their anti-terrorist report. -db

First amendment rights of Golden Gate protestors reaffirmed

Marin Independent Journal January 14, 2011 By Mark Prado A federal district judge ruled that the Golden Gate Bridge District’s restrictions on  protesters using the bridge violated their First Amendment rights. The district banned bullhorns, hand-held signs and protests after 2 p.m. on weekends. -db

Federal judge allows students’ empty-holster protest on Texas community college campus 2

A federal district judge ruled that two students could wear empty holsters at Tarrant County College Northeast  to protest school policy against concealed handguns on campus. The students could protest on public streets, sidewalks and common areas but not in classrooms or hallways. Another hearing is scheduled for November 16. -DB Courthouse News Service November [...]