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].
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Jan 24, 2024
Jan 24, 2024
House Committee Supports Freedom of Speech and Expression, Kills HB 1113
It’s impossible to define lewd and lascivious in a way that isn’t hopelessly vague and subjective, and government officials cannot impose their personal moral values on others. We're thrilled that legislators on the House State Affairs Committee agreed.
Jan 09, 2024
Jan 09, 2024
ACLU of South Dakota Announces 2024 Legislative Priorities
The ACLU’s educational, organizing and lobbying efforts will be focused primarily on voting rights, free speech and expression, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit equality, Indigenous sovereignty and justice, and bodily autonomy and abortion rights.
Dec 11, 2023
Dec 11, 2023
ACLU Announces Settlement Agreement with State in Challenge to Vanity Plate Law
The state of South Dakota will no longer be putting the brakes on personalized license plate applications because they might carry “connotations offensive to good taste and decency.”
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Nov 06, 2023
Nov 06, 2023
ACLU of South Dakota Files Constitutional Challenge to South Dakota’s Vanity Plate Law
The First Amendment prevents arbitrary decision-making when it comes to expression. Although no one likes to be offended, it’s dangerous to allow the government to decide which speech is allowed and which should be censored.
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Aug 29, 2023
Aug 29, 2023
Personalized License Plate Statute Violates First Amendment Rights of South Dakotans
Although only a few characters long, vanity plates are often used to convey a meaningful expression of the driver’s personal message, identity, values or sense of humor. Unfortunately, the state is censoring the free speech protected by the First Amendment.
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Apr 17, 2023
Apr 17, 2023
Board of Education Standard’s Vote on Social Studies Standards Disappointing, ACLU of South Dakota Says
Equal access to learning about Native American heritage and culture in our educational institutions is important. The ACLU supports the protection of students’ First Amendment rights to receive information as part of their education.
Feb 28, 2023
Feb 28, 2023
ACLU of South Dakota Commends Decision to Kill House Bill 1116
The government cannot limit expression just because any one person – or even a majority of a community – is offended by its content.
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Feb 15, 2023
Feb 15, 2023
House Lawmakers Advance Legislation that Would Violate First Amendment Rights of South Dakotans
Who decides what is considered lewd and lascivious? Government officials cannot impose their personal moral values on others.
Issue Areas:
Free Speech
Feb 13, 2023
Feb 13, 2023
ACLU of South Dakota Comments on House State Affairs Committee Action on Drag Show Bills
The ACLU of South Dakota opposed House Bill 1116, which passed, and House Bill 1125, which was tabled. Both bills violate First Amendment protections and provoke a broader cultural suppression of LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit people.
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