Issues

Criminal Justice

American democracy protects the individual from unwarranted arrest, search, prosecution and inhumane punishment. The ACLU works to protect these guarantees, and ensure that government does not tread on the innocent or unjustly punish the guilty.

Drug Policy

The costly War on Drugs continues to erode personal liberties without making a dent on the trade or use of drugs. The ACLU supports instead a public health approach, including investment in drug treatment, education, and regulation of drug availability.

Freedom of Expression

Free speech is crucial to the survival of democracy. Without it, government reigns unchallenged and humanity drifts from the pursuit of truth. That is why the ACLU defends the free expression of ideas, even those that are unpopular or offensive.

Immigrant Rights

Though our country was built by immigrants, their initiation often includes exploitation and abuse. But all residents, native or new, enjoy the equal protection of the laws. The ACLU fights for immigrants’ rights and for fair access to opportunity.

LGBT

All U.S. residents enjoy basic rights in their pursuit of happiness. These must include freedom of speech and assembly, but also the ability to marry the consenting partner of your choice, raise a family, and be free from unfair discrimination.

National Security

Government has traditionally infringed on individual liberties in times of war or unrest. The ACLU stands as a watchdog for sensible and effective national security that does not weaken individual rights or make scapegoats out of whole communities.

Police Practices

Police have the hard task of enforcing the law. But they must also follow the law and its guarantees of due process. The ACLU represents individuals who have faced abuse, and advocates the strong public accountability of police and their practices.

Privacy

The Information Revolution poses tough challenges to our right to privacy, with new questions about electronic records, surveillance, and the Internet. The ACLU is leading the way in safeguarding privacy and challenging attempts to limit it.

Racial Justice

Millions of Americans still face daily prejudice, violence and unfair access to opportunity, justice and political power because of their race. So the ACLU continues to challenge unfair practices and laws, and to monitor enforcement of civil rights.

Religious Liberty

The freedom to worship – or not - is among the most basic rights enjoyed by Americans. The essence of this right lies in the separation of church and state. The ACLU has been instrumental in enforcing that boundary in all the reaches of government.

Reproductive Rights

A woman’s control of her body includes the right to decide to bear a child. This has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and by Washington voters. The ACLU defends women’s reproductive rights and is a member of the Pro-Choice Washington Coalition.

Student/Youth Rights

Though youths don’t have the full rights of adults, they still enjoy fundamental constitutional guarantees. The ACLU continues to challenge limits on these rights, including the freedoms of speech, assembly and protection from unreasonable search.

Technology

The Technology and Liberty Project works to protect civil liberties in our increasingly technological society.

Voting Rights

Voting is the basis of democracy, and all citizens are entitled to this right. The ACLU opposes efforts that unfairly take away this right, particularly when they disenfranchise whole segments of society or compromise the electoral process.

Women's Rights

Liberty doesn’t have a gender, and the ACLU works to keep it that way. Our commitment to women’s rights aims to ensure that women and their families can enjoy the benefits of full equality and participation in every sphere of society.

Other

The ACLU of Washington is devoted to defending the personal liberties codified in the Bill of Rights and the Washington Constitution. Here is a sampling of some of our work that does not fall in the previous categories.