The First Amendment guarantees what some might consider the most fundamental freedoms that define our nation.
The ongoing Occupy Wall Street protest is spreading from the streets of New York to cities and towns all across America, and the right to protest and dissent is a key part of this important national conversation.
As long as the ACLU has existed, we’ve been defending the rights of demonstrators to speak their minds and assemble together. Because we believe dissent is a form of patriotism. We believe all people have the right to free speech and the freedom to stand up for what they believe in.
If you agree, download our “Dissent is Patriotic” poster and Facebook icons. Tell everyone that free and open discourse is the lifeblood in a democracy.
And if you’re headed to a protest, whether on Wall Street or Main Street, be prepared: read up on your rights to take photos, and what to do if you’re stopped by police.
Learn more about protestors’ rights: Sign up for breaking news alerts, follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.
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ACLU Statement on Congress Passing Bill that Massively Expands the Government’s Power to Spy on Americans Without a Warrant