First Amendment
Free speech means protecting protest rights, a free press, diversity of thought, freedom of religion, and much more. The ACLU of Wisconsin is always on guard to ensure that the First Amendment’s protections remain robust — for everyone.
What you need to know
4 anti-free speech bills
introduced so far during the 2025-26 session.
121 Wisconsin law enforcement agencies
have Flock contracts for AI-driven mass surveillance technology.
1 Community Control Over Police Surveillance
ordinance on the books in Madison.
What's At Stake
The threat of mass surveillance chills the free expression of ordinary Wisconsinites.
Recently, we’ve seen legislators routinely try to place new and excessive restrictions on books, curricula, and online activity, attempting to criminalize protected dissent for the sake of what they say is public safety.
Our Work
We are currently engaged in several arenas to protect First Amendment rights:
- In the legislature, we are opposing a flag ban, an anti-protest bill, and a proposed internet age verification law.
- We are investigating religious freedom complaints in the Milwaukee County Jail.
- In Milwaukee, we are fighting the use of surveillance technology — especially Flock cameras and facial recognition — by law enforcement.
Banned Books and the Library
The Latest
Our Kids Deserve Safety, Not Surveillance
Liberty and the Domestic Use of the Military
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
AB-963/SB-936: Social Media Age Verification
AB-962/SB-937: App Store Age Verification
AB-961/SB-938: Content Warning Labels
AB-672/ SB-650: Penalty Enhancer Targeting Speech
Take Action
Today, years of hard-fought civil liberty protections are under threat.
To influence lawmakers, we need everyone to get involved. Here is 1 action you can take today.
Stay Informed
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