This week at the ACLU of Maine: Reflections on the Fourth of July and what we can learn from Frederick Douglass, SCOTUS agrees to hear two ACLU cases, an upcoming webinar on the biggest Supreme Court decisions of 2025, and more.
On July 4, Remember America’s Promise of Liberty and Justice for All
On Thursday, the Bangor Daily News published a column penned by our executive director, Molly Curren Rowles. Molly reflects on Independence Day on the heels of a radical Supreme Court term, and how the words of Frederick Douglass can help us through this time.
In the face of unimaginable cruelty, political infeasibility, and popular scorn, Douglass proclaimed the power of the American vision and promise of fundamental human rights for all: “The Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny… The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.”
More than ever in our lifetimes, Molly says, we need to know and understand these foundational principles. Incredibly and against all odds, they still chart a course forward toward freedom, equality, and self-determination.
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Two Major ACLU Trans Rights Cases
- Little v. Hecox, a challenge brought by one transgender and one cisgender student against Idaho’s ban and invasive sex-testing requirement.
- West Virginia v. B.P.J., a case brought by a teenage girl banned from running track because she’s transgender.
Nothing about the legal rights of trans youth in Maine has changed. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in these cases in the fall and will likely issue a ruling in 2026. Maine state law still protects trans students. In fact, Maine lawmakers just rejected all eight anti-trans bills introduced this legislative session.
Our state’s protections for transgender students remain strong, and our values remain clear: Everyone should be able to live as their authentic self, free from government interference.
RSVP: Supreme Court Debrief with ACLU of Maine
ACLU of Maine Legal Director Carol Garvan and Chief Counsel Zach Heiden will walk through key rulings on free speech, gender-affirming care, voting rights, and more. We hope to see you there!
