This week at the ACLU of Maine: A victory in our First Amendment case against the Trump administration, a look back on the 2025 legislative session, Know Your Rights while protesting, events, and more!
A victory in our First Amendment case, Smith v. Trump
Earlier this year, we filed a lawsuit challenging the president's executive order imposing sanctions on people who cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions violate the First Amendment by prohibiting the advocates, and other Americans like them, from communicating with the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor, including by providing legal advice, expert analysis, and evidence. Our clients, Matthew Smith and Akila Radhakrishnan, are suing because the sanctions forced them to stop working with the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor and indefinitely paused their efforts to hold leading rights violators accountable for horrific crimes.
On Friday afternoon, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the order. The First Amendment does not allow the government to impose sweeping limits on what Americans can say and who they can say it to.
Looking Back on a Busy and Productive 2025 Legislative Session
The 2025 State Legislature has wrapped its session for the year.
Our policy team spent hundreds of hours at the State House testifying on bills, meeting with lawmakers, and building coalitions with our partners. This year’s work unfolded against a backdrop of growing political instability and a shifting legal landscape, where the ACLU of Maine and our allies fought hard to protect civil liberties across six key priorities: the right to a fair trial, data privacy, due process, bodily autonomy, free speech, and voting rights.
Our 2025 Legislative Report highlights this year’s hard-won victories—and the challenges that still lie ahead.
Save the Date: Join Us For a Live Legislative Recap on July 30!
Want to hear more about the legislative session straight from our experts? You’re in luck! Join our policy team for a live webinar on Wednesday, July 30, from 7–8 p.m. Policy Director Michael Kebede and Policy Fellow Alicia Rea will break down the highlights of this year’s session, share what’s ahead for next year, and answer your questions.
If you're interested, please learn more and register for the event below. We hope to see you there!
Know Your Rights While Protesting
The ACLU of Maine took part in two events this week: Good Trouble Lives on in Brunswick, and Disability Pride in Augusta. It was great to be in solidarity with communities around Maine as they exercised their freedom of speech and expression, and rallied for civil rights and liberties.
Remember: Rallies and protests are fundemental part of our First Amendment rights in this country. At a time when so many civil rights are under attack, it’s more important than ever to be informed and prepared. Before you attend your next rally, be sure to check out our Know Your Rights While Protesting resources.
And be sure to check out our events page to see where you can find us next!
