Our fight to create a more perfect union and a better Texas through the protection of civil rights and civil liberties began in the Lone Star State in 1938. Today our five core issue areas are Smart Justice, Immigrants' Rights, LGBTQ Equality, Reproductive Freedom, and Voting Rights. Beyond those key areas of focus, the ACLU of Texas has identified additional issues essential to guarding the civil rights and civil liberties of Texans in the modern age.

Smart Justice

The ACLU of Texas works in partnership with communities to fight racism in the criminal legal system and to reduce the number of people in prisons and jails. We work in the courts and advocate for change in local and state government.

Border and Immigrants’ Rights

The fight for border and immigrants’ rights is especially important in the Lone Star State. Seventeen percent of our state’s residents are foreign-born, and we share a 1,254-mile border with Mexico.

LGBTQIA+ Equality

The ACLU of Texas works to protect, defend, and expand the constitutional and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) Texans. 

Reproductive Freedom

The ACLU of Texas works to ensure that everyone in Texas can decide if, when, and with whom they have children. 

Voting Rights

Voting and the right to vote are a bedrock of democracy. No rightful voter should be denied the opportunity to make their voice heard. And no voter should be afraid to vote because of intimidating poll watchers or the threat of going to jail for making an honest mistake.

Students' Rights

The ACLU of Texas works with teachers, parents, students, and legislators to ensure equality and dignity for all students in Texas, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity.

Free Speech

Protecting free speech means protecting a free press, the democratic process, diversity of thought, and so much more. The ACLU has worked since 1920 to ensure that freedom of speech is protected for everyone.

Religion and Belief

The ACLU of Texas strives to safeguard the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty by ensuring that laws and governmental practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise.

Privacy and Technology

The ACLU of Texas works to expand the right to privacy, increase the control individuals have over their personal information, and ensure civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by technological innovation.