Protesters’ Rights

Free Speech • Peaceful Assembly • Due Process • Equal Protection • Voting Rights 

Understanding your rights is essential to safe, confident civic action. Whether you’re speaking out, organizing, or joining a peaceful protest, these protections belong to you — and they help keep our community strong. Before you arrive, take a moment to review your rights so you can stand strong and stay safe.

1. You have the right to protest in public spaces

Public sidewalks, parks, and plazas are traditional “free speech zones.”

You can march, hold signs, chant, and speak out as long as you don’t block access or create safety hazards.

2. Permits are only required in specific situations

You generally don’t need a permit for:

Permits may be required for:

Even without a permit, police cannot shut down a protest simply because they disagree with the message.

3. Police must treat all protesters equally

Law enforcement cannot target you based on your viewpoint, message, or group identity.

You cannot be targeted based on race, gender, religion, or political beliefs. 

They must enforce rules evenly across all participants.

4. You have the right to record police

You may photograph or film police officers performing their duties in public.

Police cannot confiscate or delete your photos or videos without a warrant.

5. If police give an order, it must be lawful

Police may issue orders for safety reasons, but they cannot:

6. If you’re stopped or questioned

You have the right to:

7. If you’re arrested

You have the right to:

8. Special protections for non‑citizens, minors, and people with disabilities

The ACLU outlines additional considerations for:

9. What to do if your rights are violated

The ACLU recommends:

Everyone has the right to engage in peaceful protest, and we want everyone to feel safe and confident. Please review your rights as a peaceful protester and what to expect before attending. Empowerment starts with knowledge.