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].

Jun 7, 2023

ACLU Available to Comment During Sioux Falls Pride on Saturday

Sioux Falls will celebrate the culture and diversity of the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit community at Pride on Saturday. There’s sure to be music, dancing and plenty of fun! But Pride is more than just a festival. It's also a time for people to recommit themselves to the long struggle for equality.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights
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.
Issue Areas: Indigenous Justice, Free Speech
Feb 28, 2023

House Lawmakers Pass Bill to Restrict Parole, ACLU of South Dakota Comments

If we want to improve public safety, we need to increase investment in rehabilitation and reentry, not incarceration. By eliminating the possibility of parole for entire groups of people who are incarcerated, there is no motivation for self-evaluation and genuine desire for change.
Issue Areas: Smart Justice
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 21, 2023

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes Bill to Authorize Legislative Involvement in Cases Pertaining to Election Law

Injecting the state legislature into lawsuits that challenge the constitutionality of election laws threaten judicial independence by limiting courts’ power and injects politics into state judiciaries.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights, Indigenous Justice
Feb 15, 2023

ACLU of South Dakota Opposes Bill Limiting Absentee Ballot Eligibility

Our elected officials should be doing everything they can to encourage people to vote – not making it harder, as House Bill 1217 would do.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights
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 14, 2023

South Dakota Bans Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender Youth

Ignoring the warnings of families, advocates, health care providers and transgender South Dakotans themselves, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem signed a law banning gender-affirming health care for any transgender person under 18.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit Rights