The ACLU of Virginia is the leading champion of civil liberties in the Commonwealth. We want to keep you informed about the work we do in the legislature, in the courts, and in the community. We'll also give you our take on issues affecting people in neighborhoods throughout the state.
It is clear that Virginians are impacted by this virus at every level, and among the most vulnerable are Black and brown people, including the disproportionate number held in Virginia’s custodial facilities.
Even in a public health emergency, we must keep a watchful eye on the government to ensure that any COVID-19 response is grounded in science and accepted public health policy, and does not infringe on our civil rights, including the right to privacy.
It was a big year for gender justice advocates in Virginia’s General Assembly. At the start of session, we highlighted five issues to watch out for this year – and we had major wins in four out of five areas.
The ACLU of Virginia joins the call to end the exploitation of the labor of people living in prisons. Not everything that may be legal is right.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has a responsibility to protect all Virginians, and that includes the thousands of men, women and children being held in Virginia’s prisons, jails and correctional facilities.
The witness signature requirement unnecessarily puts voters’ health at risk. We are asking the court to prohibit the state from enforcing the witness requirement for all 2020 elections so that everyone can exercise their right to vote while staying safe.