Blogs

ACLU of Oregon's work at the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important — but there is no better defender of civil liberties and civil rights than an informed and engaged public. We see it as our duty to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties.

Filter News
Dec 11, 2024

Can you define pornography? Neither can the government.

Free Speech
We break down the absurd-but-true history of trying to censor sexual speech under the guise of "keeping kids safe."
We break down the absurd-but-true history of trying to censor sexual speech under the guise of "keeping kids safe."
Censored doll
Censored doll
Dec 10, 2024

Why the Fight for Racial Justice is a Human Rights Issue

Racial Justice
On International Human Rights Day, the ACLU is advocating for a long-sought after reparatory justice to end the continued abuses against Black and brown communities.
On International Human Rights Day, the ACLU is advocating for a long-sought after reparatory justice to end the continued abuses against Black and brown communities.
An infant sits atop His Father's Shoulders As Marchers Cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge During the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the 'Bloody Sunday' Crossing of the Bridge in Selma Alabama.
An infant sits atop His Father's Shoulders As Marchers Cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge During the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the 'Bloody Sunday' Crossing of the Bridge in Selma Alabama.
Dec 3, 2024

SCOTUS Trans Rights Case is About Human Right to Autonomy

LGBTQ+ Rights
Navin Kariyawasam, a trans physician, explains why trans adolescents must have the autonomy and power to make decisions about their bodies without political interference and with the support of family and...
Navin Kariyawasam, a trans physician, explains why trans adolescents must have the autonomy and power to make decisions about their bodies without political interference and with the support of family and...
A demonstrator at a march in front of the Supreme Court holds up a sign reading "TRANS PEOPLE'S BODIES, TRANS PEOPLE'S CHOICES".
A demonstrator at a march in front of the Supreme Court holds up a sign reading "TRANS PEOPLE'S BODIES, TRANS PEOPLE'S CHOICES".
Nov 25, 2024

Incarceration Should Not be a Death Sentence for Individuals Who Use Opioids

Death Penalty
New litigation centered on increasing access to substance-use disorder treatment in jails and prisons is helping to reduce mortality rates among incarcerated individuals.
New litigation centered on increasing access to substance-use disorder treatment in jails and prisons is helping to reduce mortality rates among incarcerated individuals.
A prison exterior.
A prison exterior.
Nov 20, 2024

How Biden Can Act Now to Limit Trump’s Mass Deportation Agenda

Immigrants' Rights
In our series on how Biden can use the lame duck period to secure civil liberties and civil rights, we examine how Biden can combat President-elect Trump’s plans to execute the largest mass deportation plan...
In our series on how Biden can use the lame duck period to secure civil liberties and civil rights, we examine how Biden can combat President-elect Trump’s plans to execute the largest mass deportation plan...
A photo of Joe Biden.
A photo of Joe Biden.
Nov 20, 2024

On Trans Day of Remembrance, My Grief is My Power

LGBTQ+ Rights
As the trans community remembers those we’ve lost, I find strength in understanding why the grievous injustices that continue to harm our community must be stopped.
As the trans community remembers those we’ve lost, I find strength in understanding why the grievous injustices that continue to harm our community must be stopped.
Candles as part of a vigil.
Candles as part of a vigil.