Blog Posts

As the leading civil rights and civil liberties organization in the Land of Lincoln, the ACLU of Illinois works constantly to keep the public informed about the state of their civil liberties. The work we do in the legislature, in the courts, and in our communities is important, but there is no better defender of civil rights than an informed and engaged public citizenry. Knowledge is power. 

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Nov 17, 2023

10 Years Since Marriage Equality

LGBTQ and HIV Advocacy

Just a decade ago, Illinois signed into law the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples. 

Just a decade ago, Illinois signed into law the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples. 

Off white background. Pride flag on the left. Photo of couples marching. Yellow Illinois above and hand holding a "love is love" sign.
Off white background. Pride flag on the left. Photo of couples marching. Yellow Illinois above and hand holding a "love is love" sign.
Nov 14, 2023

In Memory of Harriet Hausman

In her nearly 100 years, Harriet Hausman was a tireless supporter for many civil liberties issues including protecting free speech, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.

In her nearly 100 years, Harriet Hausman was a tireless supporter for many civil liberties issues including protecting free speech, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.

Blue filtered image of Harriet Hausman. White text "In memory of Harriet Hausman (1924-2023)"
Blue filtered image of Harriet Hausman. White text "In memory of Harriet Hausman (1924-2023)"
Nov 8, 2023

What We Know About CPD Social Media Technology and Monitoring

Police Practices and Racial Justice

The Chicago Police Department shrouds in secrecy its use of surveillance technologies to monitor social media.

The Chicago Police Department shrouds in secrecy its use of surveillance technologies to monitor social media.

Dark blue with social media page. Red button that says "Share to Profile" with a white arrow.
Dark blue with social media page. Red button that says "Share to Profile" with a white arrow.
Oct 4, 2023

Fighting to Protect Free Speech

First Amendment Advocacy

Attempts to limit free speech through censorship have been on the rise in Illinois, requiring that each of us be alert for these attempts in our own community.

Attempts to limit free speech through censorship have been on the rise in Illinois, requiring that each of us be alert for these attempts in our own community.

Tan background. Light blue and dark green megaphone
Tan background. Light blue and dark green megaphone
Oct 3, 2023

Show Up Against Book Bans

First Amendment Advocacy

The last two years have seen book bans come roaring back into the public consciousness.

The last two years have seen book bans come roaring back into the public consciousness.

Stack of Banned Books
Stack of Banned Books
Oct 2, 2023

We Read Banned Books: ACLU-IL Staff's Favorite Banned Books

During Banned Books Week some of the ACLU of Illinois Staff shared their favorite banned books. 

During Banned Books Week some of the ACLU of Illinois Staff shared their favorite banned books. 

White background. Blue text: We Read Banned Books: ACLU-IL staff's favorite banned books. Over a green book
White background. Blue text: We Read Banned Books: ACLU-IL staff's favorite banned books. Over a green book