Civil Rights

ACLU of Maryland's civil rights work focuses on disability rights, gender and sexuality rights, immigrants' rights, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, reproductive freedom, and youth rights.

woman holding a Black Lives Matter Sign

For nearly 100 years, the ACLU of Maryland has been fighting to protect everyone's civil rights, particularly the rights of people of color and other groups that have been historically discriminated against. Civil rights, which are an essential part of a democracy, protect each person’s right to live and work without discrimination, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ability, national origin, and many other characteristics. We strive to create a country where everyone’s civil rights are fully realized: where each person is treated as a full human being and has to the right to fairly pursue the American Dream.

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The Latest

Press Release
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Supreme Court Requires Religious Opt-Outs from Secular Lessons in Public Schools

The decision could have far-reaching consequences for public schools’ ability to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that reflects the diversity of their communities, as well schools’ ability to implement any secular lesson plan that may trigger religious objections.
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Community Leaders and Advocates to Host Press Conference Urging Fair Redistricting in Baltimore County

The coalition is calling on the Commission to adopt a legally compliant and community-driven “3-1-5” map that ensures fair representation for Black and Brown residents across the county.
Press Release
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Family Members, ACLU Hail Maryland Audit, Urge Governor to Include Community in Medical Examiner Task Force

Audit confirms decades-long pattern of evidence suppression by Maryland Office of Chief Medical Examiner in police killings of Anton Black, Tyrone West, and others.
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Advocates Celebrate Passage of Second Look Act, Urge Continued Push for Justice

After years of tireless advocacy by families, formerly incarcerated people, and community leaders, the Maryland General Assembly has passed the Second Look Act (HB 853), providing a long-overdue pathway for sentence reconsideration grounded in rehabilitation, not retribution.
Court Case
Jun 19, 2018

Stone v. Trump

Court Case
Mar 16, 2016

Savage v. Pocomoke City