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.

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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Caucus of African American Leaders & ACLU of Maryland Statement on Removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth from the National Park Services Free Entry

These dates honor two of the most consequential moments in American history: the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the emancipation of enslaved people.
Press Release
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Civil Rights Groups, Maryland Voters File Motion to Protect Voters’ Privacy

Lawsuit challenges DOJ demand for sensitive voter data amid fears of national voter database
Press Release
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ACLU Maryland Statement on Wicomico County 287(g) Agreement Hold

In response to months of public opposition, the Wicomico County Executive and Sheriff abandoned their increasingly unpopular proposal to enter a 287(g) agreement with ICE.
News & Commentary
David giving a speech in front of community members at Towson Courthouse

Community Members Demand Answers after Baltimore Council secretly signed a deal with ICE

The following remarks are from ACLU Maryland's Senior Staff Attorney David Rocah, after Baltimore County confirmed it had quietly signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - with no public notice or Council engagement.
Court Case
Mar 16, 2016

Savage v. Pocomoke City

Court Case
Jun 19, 2018

Stone v. Trump