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].

Feb 04, 2026

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
Feb 02, 2026

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
Dec 10, 2025

ACLU of South Dakota Condemns Politically Motivated Investigation of Abortion Ads

Gov. Larry Rhoden’s request for an investigation into an advertising campaign educating people about the safety and effectiveness of abortion pills is a politically motivated attack on free speech.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Reproductive Freedom
Feb 19, 2025

Senate Passes Internet Age-Verification Bill; ACLU of South Dakota Comments

Efforts to childproof the internet not only hurt everyone’s ability to access information, but also give the government too much leeway to go after speech it doesn’t like.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Privacy and Technology
Jan 16, 2025

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes House Bill 1053, Legislation that would Age-Gate Internet Access

Requiring age-verification for porn and other sexual content on specific sites won’t save children from online harm. But House Bill 1053 will invade the privacy and violate the constitutional rights of all South Dakotans.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, Privacy and Technology
Aug 23, 2024

ACLU Urges Eighth Circuit to Protect Students' Right to Learn about Race in School

The courts must safeguard classroom discussions against political censorship
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Feb 23, 2024

Senate State Affairs Committee Advances Anti-First Amendment Legislation

Everyone has the right to decide what art or entertainment programs they want – or do not want – to attend or watch. The only thing obscene here is the efforts by some of our elected officials to thwart our First Amendment rights.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Feb 13, 2024

ACLU of South Dakota Commends Decision to Support Free Speech, Kill SB 184

The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and expression, no matter what you are wearing.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
Feb 12, 2024

House State Affairs Committee Advances Anti-First Amendment Legislation

The government cannot limit expression just because any one person – or even a majority of a community – is offended by its content. In the context of art and entertainment, this means tolerating some works that others might find offensive, insulting or outrageous.
Issue Areas: Free Speech, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights