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You have the right to speak out. Both the California Constitution and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution protect your right to free expression.

First Amendment Protections for Expression and Assembly

Freedom of Expression is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. These 45 words preserve our most basic freedoms. It reads in full:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall explained, “But above all else, the First Amendment means that government has no power to restrict expression because of its message, its ideas, its subject matter, or its content.” (Police Department of Chicago v. Mosley (1972).)

The California Constitution states:

“Every person may freely speak, write and publish his or her sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of this right. A law may not restrain or abridge liberty of speech or press.

The people have the right to instruct their representatives, petition government for redress of grievances, and assemble freely to consult for the common good.” (California Constitution, Article 1, Section 2(a) and 3(a).)