Press Releases

Court Rules Maine is Widely Violating Sixth Amendment by Denying Attorneys

The Kennebec County Superior Court ruled the State of Maine is violating the Sixth Amendment rights of hundreds of people by failing to provide attorneys to people charged with a crime.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU of Maine Applauds Federal Death Row Commutations

The death penalty in America is a broken process from start to finish. President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 people on federal death row, moving us one step closer to ending this heinous practice once and for all.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

ACLU Argues Public Dollars Cannot be Used to Discriminate in Private Schools

Two Maine schools are trying to receive public funds and discriminate against students. Any school that wants to participate in a state-funded education program must play by the same rules as all others.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Equality

Maine Reaches Settlement with DOJ, Agrees to Comply with ADA and Support Children with Disabilities

Following a lawsuit from the US Department of Justice, the State of Maine has agreed to support children with disabilities and comply with federal law.
Issue Areas: Disability Rights

ACLU of Maine Prepared to Act in Face of Trump Presidency

For 105 years nationwide and 65 years in Maine, the ACLU has consistently and fearlessly defended all people’s constitutional freedoms and fought politicians’ abuses of power – and we are not stopping now.

US Department of Justice Sues Maine for Violating Youth Disability Rights

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued Maine for discriminating against young people with disabilities by denying adequate services, separating children from their families, and institutionalizing children who need health care.

Superior Court Allows ACLU to Sue ‘State of Maine’ for Systemic Failure to Guarantee Right to Counsel

The court’s order will allow the ACLU to hold the entirety of the state government accountable for systemically denying hundreds of people their right to an attorney.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Supreme Court Rules Cities Can Punish People For Being Homeless Even When Shelters Are Full

The court has opened the door for cities to punish people for trying to survive, but Maine cities must address root causes instead.
Issue Areas: Criminal Legal Reform

Bangor Median Ban Threatens First Amendment Rights

An ordinance passed Monday threatens free speech rights and targets unhoused residents under the guise of public safety.