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Virginia Supreme Court Declares Virginia Beach Noise Ordinance Unconstitutional (04/17/2009)
Virginia Beach, VA – The Virginia Supreme Court today struck down Virginia Beach's noise ordinance because it is unconstitutionally vague. The ordinance prohibits "any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the city" that "disturb[s] or annoy[s] the quiet, comfort or repose of reasonable persons."

Christiansburg Blogger May Criticize Developer's Dirt Pile (04/10/2009)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VA – The Virginia Supreme Court has rejected developer Roger W. Woody's appeal of a Montgomery County Circuit Court's decision to dismiss his libel suit against Terry Ellen Carter, a Christiansburg resident who complained on her website about a large mound of dirt on one of Woody's properties.

ACLU Wins Preliminary Injunction in Clearwater 'Fish Mural' First Amendment Lawsuit (04/09/2009)
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida received another victory in the now-famous "Fish Mural" lawsuit today when United States District Judge James D. Whittemore adopted the Magistrate Judge's Report and Recommendation. The preliminary injunction prevents the City of Clearwater from imposing fines against The Complete Angler bait and tackle shop. The order also allows them to continue displaying the First Amendment banner, as well as the wildlife mural on the side of the business while the trial proceeds.

ACLU Says Richmond Must Allow Political Sign Opposing New Ballpark (04/02/2009)
Richmond, VA – According to the ACLU of Virginia, the City of Richmond must either reinterpret its zoning ordinance to allow a large political sign on the side of a business in the Shockoe Bottom area of the city, or it must amend the ordinance to clarify that such signs are permitted.

House Passes Media Shield Bill (03/31/2009)
WASHINGTON – A bill aimed at protecting journalists and their readers’ access to information was passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote today. While the bill is a positive step forward in promoting First Amendment rights, it should have protected a wider class of journalists, not just those meeting certain requirements.

Diverse Coalition Of Organizations Call For White House To Rescind Rule Restricting Lobbyist Communications On Bailout Funds (03/31/2009)
WASHINGTON -- Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the American League of Lobbyists (ALL) urged the White House today to rewrite a restrictive new rule on registered lobbyists seeking Recovery Act bailout funds, saying it would not achieve the transparency and accountability the administration seeks.

Legislation To Improve Legal Aid Introduced (03/27/2009)
WASHINGTON – Legislation to improve access to legal assistance for those unable to afford it was introduced in the Senate yesterday. The Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 (S. 718), sponsored by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and eight others, was referred to the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for consideration. The American Civil Liberties Union welcomes its introduction as a positive step toward achieving much needed improvements for recipients of Legal Service Corporation (LSC) funding across the country.

ACLU Defends Kenneth City Mayoral Candidate in Lawsuit Targeting Her Eligibility (03/06/2009)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and its Pinellas County Chapter are defending Teresa A. Zemaitis, a Pinellas County public school teacher who is one of two candidates in a March 10 mayoral election. Zemaitis is being targeted in a lawsuit by the Town of Kenneth City, which alleges that no public employee may run for the seat of mayor; a position that only offers a $400/month stipend. As the stipend is not enough to live on, Zemaitis intends to continue with her current employment as a public school teacher.

Business Owner's Mural and First Amendment Display Targeted by City of Clearwater (02/24/2009)
CLEARWATER, Fla. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and its Pinellas County Chapter filed a federal lawsuit today on behalf of local business owners Heriberto and Lorraine Quintero, whose First Amendment rights have repeatedly been trampled on by the City of Clearwater. The ACLU of Florida seeks to prevent the city from further proceeding against the Quinteros for exercising their constitutionally protected right to free speech and political protest.

ACLU Federal Lawsuit Gets Green Light From 11th Circuit (02/23/2009)
MIAMI – The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the ACLU of Florida today, finding that a 2006 lawsuit filed on behalf of Amnesty International "properly states a valid claim alleging a violation of its First Amendment rights."