First Amendment

Freedom of speech is protected in the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights and is guaranteed to all Americans.

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Freedom of speech, the press, association, assembly, and petition: This set of guarantees, protected by the First Amendment, comprises what we refer to as freedom of expression. It is the foundation of a vibrant democracy, and without it, other fundamental rights, like the right to vote, would wither away.

Whether it's peaceful mass demonstrations at the base of Mauna Kea or censorship on social media, the ACLU of Hawai‘i ensures that people are able to freely and safely exercise their right to freedom of expression.

The Latest

Press Release
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Nonprofit Organizations File Supreme Court Amicus Brief in Defense of Speech and Privacy Rights of People Engaging in Political Advocacy

The ACLU of Hawai‘i the Japanese American Citizens League, Honolulu Chapter, and the Iwamoto Family Foundation — filed an amicus brief in the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court in defense of the speech and privacy rights of people and groups engaged in political advocacy.
Issue Areas: First Amendment
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ACLU of Hawai‘i Files Amicus Brief Supporting KAHEA's Rights to Association and Privacy

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi filed an amicus brief in support of KAHEA’s attempt to stop the Department of the Attorney General from enforcing a subpoena for KAHEA’s bank records as part of the AG’s investigation into the environmental non-profit’s support of the Mauna Kea demonstrations.
Issue Areas: First Amendment
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ACLU of Hawai‘i Expresses First Amendment Concerns Over Subpoenas Against KAHEA

The ACLU of Hawai‘i has serious concerns that the Department of the Attorney General is abusing its regulatory power over non-profit organizations by investigating KAHEA for supporting the Mauna Kea demonstrations.
Issue Areas: First Amendment
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ACLU of Hawai‘i Warns Hawai‘i County Driver's License Officials: Discrimination Against Muslim Women Violates the First Amendment

The ACLU of Hawai‘i (ACLU) has sent a demand letter to County of Hawai’i government offices that oversee the issuance of motor vehicle licenses for the county (”Hawai‘i County DMV”) detailing an unconstitutional ordeal endured by Hilo resident and Muslim Laycie Tobosa.
Issue Areas: First Amendment