Press Releases

As the leading civil rights organization in our state, the ACLU of South Dakota believes in keeping the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than a public that is informed and engaged. For media inquiries, email [email protected].

ACLU of South Dakota Urges Gov. Rhoden to Veto SB 175

By vetoing Senate Bill 175, Gov. Rhoden would send a clear message that South Dakota supports voters.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

ACLU of South Dakota Hires New Deputy Executive Director

Denzler will oversee chapter operations and lead efforts to ensure the work of the ACLU is well-supported, coordinated and aligned with its strategic plan to further advance civil liberties in S.D.

HB 1257 Threatens Obstetrics Care Under Guise of Clarifying Abortion Law; ACLU Comments

“Medical emergency” exceptions to abortion laws are often narrow, vague and insufficient to protect pregnant people in life-threatening situations.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

House Committee Prioritizes Anti-Abortion Propaganda Over Facts; ACLU Comments

Putting misinformation in our children's curriculum to push an ideological agenda only hurts students.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

Viewpoint-Based Censorship of HB 1116 Violates First Amendment; ACLU Comments

Protecting children is an important goal, but it must be pursued in ways that respect the First Amendment, parental rights and long-standing principles of free expression.
Issue Areas: Free Speech

ACLU of South Dakota Urges House Committee to Prioritize Civil Liberties when Considering Health Care Policy

Bills highlight the importance of ensuring health care policy aligns with civil liberties.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

HB 1257 Threatens Contraception and IVF Under the Guise of Clarifying Abortion Law; ACLU Comments

By using specific language to define an “unborn child," House Bill 1257 could create a legal domino effect that triggers broader restrictions on hormonal contraception, emergency contraception and in vitro fertilization.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom

First Amendment Rights in Jeopardy as House Lawmakers Advance HB 1124 After Committee Debate

The First Amendment right to protest on public property, such as sidewalks, would be violated with House Bill 1124.
Issue Areas: Free Speech

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes Bill to Criminalize People for Receiving Abortion Care

By introducing House Bill 1212, anti-abortion lawmakers are once again playing politics with our health care.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Freedom