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The Banned Books That Helped Shape Who We Are

In honor of this year’s Banned Books Week, some of our staff members are sharing their favorite banned books. From coming-of-age stories to challenging topics, or simply stories of resistance and history, these are some of our most cherished literary works that remind us why the fight against censorship is a fight worth having for our freedom to read.

By Nehemiah Bester, Stefany Thomas, Melody Vidmar, Dana Vickers Shelley, Danielle Tyler

Latest Press Release


Historic Court Victory Affirms Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act, Protecting Students’ Access to Books

First court decision under landmark state law affirms protections for students’ freedom to read following powerful community-led advocacy
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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Adding Audio Recording to Surveillance Cameras Threatens A Whole New Level of Monitoring in American Life

Adding Audio Recording to Surveillance Cameras Threatens A Whole New Level of Monitoring in American Life

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Marriage at Midnight, and More Updates!

Breaking News! Same-sex couples from Baltimore can get married at City Hall starting at 12:30 AM on New Year’s Day – right after Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gets back from the city’s fireworks display!

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The long road to marriage equality in Maryland

On November 6, the ACLU of Maryland joined supporters across the state in waiting with bated breath for word on whether the Civil Marriage Protection Act would be approved by voters. Then, jubilation! Maryland voters had approved Question 6 and said “yes” to marriage equality! 

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A Marriage Moment (and Another One to Come)

By James Esseks, Director, ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender & AIDS Project at 11:56am

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DREAM Act Passage in Maryland Should Spark Federal Action

By Sirine Shebaya, ACLU of Maryland & Joanne Lin, Washington Legislative Office at 9:32pm

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Your Voting Rights Checklist

Your vote is your voice and your right.  That is why the ACLU of Maryland Election Protection Campaign is working hard to ensure all Marylanders are heard this November. In addition to distributing over 20,000 Voter Empowerment Cards across Maryland, we have also created a Voter Empowerment Checklist of basics to ensure you, and everyone you know, are empowered voters!

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Maryland is on the verge of history

We at the ACLU of Maryland, with the broader statewide coalition of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, have been working hard for a marriage equality victory at the polls this November. Now with less than 100 days until Election Day, those of us who support fairness for all Maryland families are ramping up our efforts even more. That is why the ACLU of Maryland, with over 100 coalition partners in the campaign Marylanders for Marriage Equality, are so excited about the August Coalition Day of Action and we want you to join us! Together we can help the Free State become the first in the country to win and protect marriage equality. With the polls and momentum with us, we can win. But it can only happen with your help.

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I’VE ASKED FOR MY DATA – WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Today at the ACLU of Maryland, we are taking our data back and we want you to join us.

By David Rocah

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You Have the Right to Record Police Actions

The news is filled with reports of citizen journalists being arrested or having their cell phones taken after recording police encounters. Now, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has weighed in and the message to law enforcement is clear: the First Amendment protects the right to record police performing their duties in public.

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