Empowering Those Who March for Life in Washington and Preventing Pro-Life Speech From Being Silenced in Federal Buildings

This week, on January 19, 2024, the 51st annual March for Life will take place in Washington, D.C.

Last year’s 50th anniversary march triumphantly celebrated the long-overdue overturning of Roe v. Wade. It also sparked two legal battles the ACLJ took up on behalf of pro-life advocates. At both the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Archives, pro-life visitors were told to remove or cover up apparel with pro-life messaging on it—or be kicked out of the museums. This targeting of pro-lifers was unacceptable; and we quickly spoke with multiple groups who had visited the museums, ultimately filing two separate lawsuits on their behalf.

Just recently we achieved a victory for our clients in our case against the National Archives. An important part of this victory is the consent order into which the National Archives has entered that enjoins it from prohibiting visiting members of the public from wearing attire containing religious and political speech.

We continue to work for our clients in the case against the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to achieve a similar victory. Meanwhile, the National Air and Space Museum is also enjoined from targeting pro-lifers.

Now, our team has just sent out a legal letter to museums and monuments throughout Washington, D.C., alerting them to the issues our clients faced last year and reminding them of the law so that no such similar issues occur during this year’s March for Life.

While we hope for the best for those of you or your relations attending this year’s march, know that our legal team is ready and available should you encounter any problems. We have prepared a letter for 2024 March for Life attendees to review and share. Additionally, this white paper gives you a quick summary of the law so you can know your rights and who to contact should any issues arise.

If you are discriminated against on government property for your pro-life views or attire, especially surrounding this year’s March for Life in Washington, D.C., please reach out to us at ACLJ.org/HELP. Our legal team will be standing by to review any issues that arise and take legal action where necessary to defend the right to freely express your pro-life views.

Thank you for being a voice for the voiceless, for taking a bold stance for life, and for reaffirming your commitment to fight for the most innocent of all – preborn children.