Free Speech

Freedom of expression is the foundation of every other right. From journalists and students to activists and artists, the ACLU of Puerto Rico defends the right of all people to speak, protest, and share ideas without fear of censorship, retaliation, or government control.

Free Speech

What you need to know

1937

The ACLU’s first free speech investigation in Puerto Rico followed the Ponce Massacre, when peaceful demonstrators were violently repressed by police.

85+

Years later, Puerto Ricans continue to face barriers to protest, assembly, and access to government information.

1st Amendment

Freedom of speech and protest are protected under the U.S. and Puerto Rico Constitutions — rights the ACLU defends in courts and in the streets.

Protect the Right to Speak and Protest

The ACLU of Puerto Rico defends those who raise their voices against injustice. We work to protect journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights. You can support this effort by amplifying independent reporting, joining peaceful demonstrations, or donating to sustain our advocacy for free expression and government accountability.

Key Issues

Free speech means more than just words — it’s the right to challenge power, expose truth, and demand change. The ACLU of Puerto Rico works to ensure that every person can speak freely and participate in public life without fear.

Protest Rights: Ensuring the government does not restrict demonstrations or use force to silence dissent.

Press Freedom: Defending journalists and media workers from censorship, retaliation, or violence.

Government Transparency: Challenging secrecy and promoting public access to information.

Academic and Artistic Freedom: Protecting educators and creators who express controversial or critical ideas.

ACLU of Puerto Rico

The Latest

Press Release
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Supreme Court rejects DTOP petition: order to disclose subpoena on immigrant data remains in effect

The Supreme Court's determination in the case of the ACLU of Puerto Rico reaffirms the fundamental right of access to information and the people's right to know how the transaction between the state agency and ICE occurred
Issue Areas: Libertad de expresión, Free Speech
Court Cases: ACLU de PR v. DTOP
Press Release
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Journalists Argue Against Puerto Rico's COVID-era “Fake News” Law in Federal Appeals Court

The law chilled journalists’ reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic and threatened press freedom in emergencies
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Court Cases: Sandra Rodríguez-Cotto v. Pedro R. Pierluisi-Urrutia
Press Release
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ACLU of Puerto Rico warns that Senate Bill 63 limits the constitutional right of access to public information

The organization opposed the measure during a public hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, while reminding lawmakers that government actions must always be governed by the principle of maximum disclosure and transparency
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Press Release
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Authorized statement regarding the House’s approval of Senate Bill 63

Authorized statement regarding the House’s approval of Senate Bill 63
Issue Areas: Free Speech
Legislation
Mar 05, 2026

Senate Bill 331

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending civil and human rights and access to public information, opposes Senate Bill 331, which seeks to amend the Demographic Registry Act to declare all certificates issued by that office confidential and to restrict who may access them by redefining the concept of an “interested party.” The ACLU of Puerto Rico argues that this measure effectively attempts to overturn judicial decisions that recognized the right of the press and the public to access death certificates of high public interest, thereby undermining freedom of expression, freedom of the press, transparency, and government accountability. It further warns that SB 331 constitutes an attack on the separation of powers by trying to legislatively undo what the courts have already decided, promotes censorship under the pretext of protecting privacy, and, by limiting access to essential data, weakens journalistic and scientific investigations as well as democratic processes, and therefore the organization urges its rejection. Status: https://sutra.oslpr.org/medidas/153837
Status: Firmado por el/la gobernador/a
Legislation
Mar 05, 2026

Senate Bill 63

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing civil and human rights and defending access to public information, warns that Senate Bill 63—which proposes, among other changes, extending from 10 to 20 working days the period agencies have to respond to information requests, lengthening the extension period up to 40 days, and adding additional technical requirements—constitutes in practice a setback to the constitutional right of access to information and to citizen oversight. The ACLU of Puerto Rico believes that these amendments unjustifiably delay access to data of high public interest, open the door to greater opacity and bureaucracy, and could even strip this right of its substance, and therefore urges the rejection of SB 63. Status: https://sutra.oslpr.org/medidas/152452
Status: Firmado por el/la gobernador/a