Free Speech

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The framers of the Constitution believed that freedom of inquiry and free expression were the hallmarks of a democratic society. The First Amendment exists to protect speech, even the most offensive and controversial, from government suppression.

In the Courts

Since our founding in 1968, the ACLU-SC has fought to defend and advance the First Amendment rights of all South Carolinians. Some of our earliest cases involved the free speech rights of Vietnam War protesters. Today some of our most pitched free-speech battles involve the rights of teachers, librarians, and students.

In the Legislature

Again and again, lawmakers have sought to restrict the free-speech rights of their fellow South Carolinians on racial, political, and religious grounds. Year after year, we show up in the state capital to fight back against harmful bills before they become law.

In the Community

We are proud to help lead Freedom to Read SC, a statewide coalition that works to defeat unconstitutional book bans in schools and libraries. You can join the coalition email list here, follow us on Facebook, and find helpful links and more information via the League of Women Voters SC website.

Join Freedom to Read SC

The Latest

News & Commentary
"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 9, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background image of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted orange and red.

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 9, 2026

Here’s how you can show up for housing justice, academic freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights this week
News & Commentary
"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 2, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome in pink and blue tints.

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 2, 2026

S.C. lawmakers keep attacking the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and students. We have some better ideas for them.
Press Release
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ACLU-SC responds to AG's brazen attempt at intimidating nonprofits

Issue Areas: Free Speech, Religious Liberty
Podcast
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Episode 19: What’s Going On (In the Statehouse)?

South Carolina lawmakers started 2026 with a barrage of bills attacking our reproductive freedom, voting rights, free speech rights, and more. But even on the ugliest days of the legislative session, South Carolinians showed up, spoke out, and wrote in to their lawmakers demanding something better. How do we keep showing up for this work, and just as importantly, why? We get into it with advocacy director Courtney.
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Classroom Censorship Policy (H. 4757)

This bill would allow parents to exempt their children from any classroom instruction in a public school if it conflicts with their “beliefs or practices regarding sex, morality, or religion.” It would also forbid classroom discussions of "gender roles or stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation” unless a teacher gives parents five days' advance notice and receives affirmative consent from the parents.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Anti-Protest Policy (S. 739)

This bill would define “riot” to include a violent protest and would allow a person whose property is destroyed or harmed to recover full damages against every person or “funding entity” engaged in a riot.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Anti-Trans Media Policy (S. 736)

This bill would require social media, streaming, gaming, or chatroom companies to provide a parental control option to opt minors out of content that is “sexual in nature” and content that features transgender people. A company that violates this would be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Banning Drag Story Hours in Libraries (S. 733)

This bill would prohibit any state agency, school district, library, or other institution supported by public funds from hosting a drag story hour or any other drag show attended by people under age 18.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose