Press Releases

Lawsuit against Liberty University for firing transgender employee to move forward

“It's no surprise the judge ruled our case can move forward. Workplace discrimination against transgender people is against the law – no matter your religious beliefs,” said ACLU of Virginia Senior Transgender Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights

Virginia’s path to automatic rights restoration gains momentum

The effort to enshrine automatic restoration of rights into Virginia's constitution successfully passed this year's legislative session today.The amendment must pass again in next year’s legislative session before heading to the ballot for a statewide vote in November 2026.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

In a historic vote, constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom passes the General Assembly

Today’s vote was the last step in the legislative process for the 2025 General Assembly session, and is the first step in a two-year constitutional amendment process to protect Virginians’ right to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health care without government interference.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Rights

To get to Virginians, President Trump will have to get past us.

“After all, no executive order can change the Constitution,” said ACLU-VA Executive Director Mary Bauer. “Our statewide presence and deep bench of advocacy tools were made for moments like this. To get to Virginians, President Trump will have to get past us.”

All three amendments to Virginia’s Constitution supported by ACLU of Virginia move forward

"Protecting Virginians’ rights will require amending Virginia’s constitution. Today was the first step of this legislative session in a multi-year process, one that will culminate in Virginians themselves voting on whether to enshrine core civil rights safely out of reach of partisan politics."

Virginia Right to Vote coalition will work to amend Virginia’s constitution to protect voting rights

“Every eligible individual should be able to access the right to vote in order to participate in democracy that affects every aspect of their lives.” said Sheba Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Nolef Turns Inc.
Issue Areas: Voting Rights

Virginia General Assembly set to advance right to reproductive freedom constitutional amendment

Virginia has become a key access state for patients seeking care, and a constitutional amendment would protect the rights of both patients and providers to make decisions regarding their own reproductive health care without government interference.
Issue Areas: Reproductive Rights

Proposing to ban ‘sanctuary cities’ is out of touch with Virginia, home to 1 million immigrants

“The Youngkin administration’s proposal to force Virginia police to do the federal government’s job at Virginians’ expense doesn’t stand a chance," said ACLU-VA Senior Immigrants' Rights Attorney Sophia Gregg.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights

Trans middle schooler forced to withdraw from Hanover Public County Schools even after a federal judge ruled in her favor

"Not even a federal judge ruling in her favor was enough to protect her from such serious ongoing harassment and concerns about her safety that Janie was forced to withdraw from Hanover County Public Schools," said ACLU-VA Senior Transgender Rights Attorney Wyatt Rolla.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ+ Rights