Press Releases

ACLU-VA to Gov. Northam: The Criminal Justice System Can't Solve Our Opioid Crisis

Drugs are just as available, cheap, and in demand as ever. Expanding the law to allow someone to be charged for murder for supplying a drug when another adult voluntarily takes the drug will not end overdoses.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU-VA Reminds Correctional Facilities to Make Religious Accommodations in Light of Passover and Ramadan

As Passover and Ramadan are coming, the ACLU of Virginia sent letters to supervisors at all Virginia state prisons and local and regional jails to remind each facility manager of their legal obligation to accommodate inmates’ religious traditions.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

ACLU-VA Urges Henry County to Reconsider Panhandling Ban

Solicitation is constitutionally protected speech, and the broad provisions passed by the Board of Supervisors prohibiting solicitation would not withstand a legal challenge.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

Fairfax Judge Ruled in Our Favor Against Mass Surveillance of Virginia Drivers

A Fairfax judge ruled that use of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) by the Fairfax County Police Department for passive surveillance not related to an authorized criminal investigation is illegal.
Issue Areas: First Amendment Rights

The Buckingham Correctional Center Should Cease Banning Menstruating Visitors from Using Necessary Menstrual Products

In response to complaint regarding the Buckingham Correctional Center's denial of visiting privileges to menstruating individuals, the ACLU of Virginia urged the BCC to stop implementing this discriminatory ban and reinstate visiting privileges for menstruating visitors.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Rights