New York Civil Liberties Union

06/05/2026

Contrary to some recent reporting, New York *did not* establish uniform, demonstration-free buffer zones around houses of worship.

But the new law could still stifle free speech and protest. Here's what you need to know ⤵️

After months of backroom dealing, Gov. Hochul touted what she called her “buffer zone legislation” which threatens to chill protest and other forms of free speech near houses of worship. While the bill that finally passed isn’t as bad as the Governor’s initial proposal, it is still needless,...

06/05/2026

Whether it’s accessing abortion, attending routine doctor’s visits, or seeking gender affirming care, in today’s world, no one searches for, receives, provides, or helps others access health care without leaving a digital trail. You may think this information is protected - but it's not.⁠
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The New York Health Information Privacy Act will fix that and ensure that New Yorkers — not big tech companies, bad actors, or government entities — have control over the intimate health information collected through fitness apps, phone records, search engines, period tracking apps, and the many other tools that are part of modern life. should sign the bill, NOW.

06/04/2026

When Becky Pepper Jackson was 11 years old, she was told by the West Virginia government that she couldn't play sports with her friends because she's transgender. Now, instead of just enjoying her childhood, she's fighting her case at the Supreme Court with and .⁠
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On and off the field, Becky represents what we love about sports: the community, the camaraderie, and the chance to be a leader. We won't stop fighting to let trans kids be kids, and let kids play.

06/04/2026

Six years ago, during the 2020 protests against police violence and the murder of George Floyd, SRG officers beat up and brutally arrested hundreds of protesters in the Bronx neighborhood of Mott Haven. The police trapped a large group of New Yorkers in a tactic known as kettling, where officers circle up around a group of people, tell them they have to leave or they’ll be arrested, don’t give them the opportunity to leave, and then rush in and arrest them all as a group.⁠
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These are violent and plainly illegal tactics. Fortunately, there is a bill awaiting passage that would rein in these abusive methods, end the SRG’s deployment at protests, and ensure that no new unit under a different name can replicate these aggressive tactics. Use our link in bio to call the NY City Council and tell them to pass the CURB Act now.⁠
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📹️ Thank you to the NYCLU protest monitor team and for the protest footage.

06/03/2026

Our favorite way to kick off Pride Month each year is with our annual LGBTQ+ reception with the ACLU!

It was powerful to be in community with supporters, allies, and partners—celebrating Pride, honoring the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, and affirming our commitment to keep showing up, no matter what.

As the NYCLU and ACLU continue to defend our communities—whether in courtrooms, classrooms, or statehouses—we’re clear on one thing: we cannot do this work without each other.

Thank you for showing up and standing with us. Let’s keep going.

📸 Scout Tufankjian

06/03/2026

There's only a few days left in this year’s state legislative session, but lawmakers have left several key bills on the table.⁠
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Time is running out - and we need your help. Urge your reps not to leave Albany before passing these bills: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/time-running-out-pass-these-critical-state-bills

06/03/2026

Students deserve to see their diverse experiences, communities, and families reflected in the classroom. But across the country – including in New York – right-wing extremists have aggressively pushed to suppress books about the LGBTQ+ community and people of color.⁠
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Fight back against this censorship by urging NY lawmakers to pass the Freedom to Read Act: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ny-fight-freedom-read

06/02/2026

"At my high school, and more than 150 other schools across New York City, students are being digitally tracked when they go to the bathroom, visit a counselor, or leave the classroom for pretty much any reason," writes Maria Mendes, youth activist with the NYCLU Teen Activist Project.

"I know technology can be useful for lots of things. But hall passes just aren’t one of them. New York City should spend its money on things that actually help us learn instead of wasting it on a creepy device that tracks us in the bathroom.

New York City is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on SmartPass digital hall passes that keep track of how long students like me are in the bathroom. It makes me feel controlled and it makes it seem like my teachers and the other adults in my school don’t trust me.

06/01/2026

"They tried to ban books on transgender kids. Transgender kids exist. Get over it!" ⁠
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Assembly Member is right: trans kids have always existed, and they always will. Trying to remove books about trans people from our libraries won't change that. Take action against book banning and support the Freedom to Read Act: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/ny-fight-freedom-read

06/01/2026

It's officially Pride Month 🤩 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ 🪩 ❗️⁠
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Stock up now for everything June has to offer at the NYCLU store - and don't forget to use code PRIDE 20 at checkout for 20% off! Get to shopping at shop.nyclu.org