iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

What does the future of trans rights in Montana look like after Cross v. Montana? Join us tomorrow, June 10 at 6 PM MT in Missoula for a special talk on what the ruling means, where things stand now, and the legal and policy questions still ahead of us. Register at secure.ngpvan.com/2wQjytmwckOg...

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

Helena, Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, and more cities across Montana are hosting No Kings Day protests on Saturday. Find your local event at nokings.org — and know your rights!

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

We're going to trial to defend every student in Montana. 📚 We filed a case to stop anti-2S-LGBTQIA bills from affecting our classrooms. The State tried to stop that case from going to trial. Yesterday, a judge denied the State's request.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

We love each other. 💌 To close out Black History Month, our Black staffers wrote letters of love and gratitude to one another. So tender and earnest 🫶

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

This Black History and Futures Month, we’re highlighting Black legal figures who inspire our Black staff members. Pauli Murray was chosen by our Political Strategist Khadija Davis. Here’s why:

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

For Black History and Futures Month, we're highlighting Black legal figures who inspire our Black staff members. Bryan Stevenson was chosen by Executive Director Akilah Deernose: “My commitment to fighting for civil rights is both inspired and informed by his heart-led advocacy for equal justice...

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

This Black History and Futures Month, we’re highlighting Black legal figures who inspire our Black staff members.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Seeking a Paralegal! Provide critical administrative, litigation, and case-management support across active cases. This is a full-time position with benefits. The role is remote, based anywhere in Montana. ➡️ Learn more and apply — aclumontana.org/jobs/

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

📚 It’s #BannedBooksWeek (Oct 5–11)! We’re celebrating the stories that challenge power and inspire change. Swipe through to see some of our favorite “forbidden” reads and why they matter so much to us.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Sept 30 is Orange Shirt Day, also known as National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada, observed by many in the U.S. Montana had at least 18 boarding schools. Wear orange, learn this history, honor survivors, & stand with Indigenous communities. #EveryChildMatters

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

🎬 The Lone Peak Film Festival returns Sept. 19–21 in Big Sky. This year’s films spotlight Indigenous storytellers whose work preserves culture, memory, and resistance. Join us in celebrating their voices alongside local and global filmmakers.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

The 2025 Missoula Municipal Primary Election is TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 9, and Forward Montana has created a voter guide to help you understand the candidates, the issues, and how to cast your ballot. You can even watch a recording of a candidate forum! forwardmontana.org/2025-missoul...

A graphic reading 2025 Missoula municipal primary election. The Missoula Municipal Primary Election takes place tomorrow, September 9th.

If you are not registered to vote, you can still register the day of the election!

link in bio to Forward Montana’s voter guide for this election

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Know your rights: You can remain silent, refuse searches, and ask for a lawyer. Stay calm, don’t lie or resist, and remember details. Everyone—regardless of status—has rights. Learn more at aclumontana.org. #KnowYourRights

A graphic reading Know Your Rights when interacting with law enforcement. Swipe to learn!

YOUR RIGHTS
You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.
If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.

The Do’s and Dont’s: Do stay calm and be polite.
Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
Do not lie or give false documents.
Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested.
Do remember the details of the encounter.
Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.

If you feel your rights have been violated: Remember: police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street. Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint.
Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first).
File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.
Call your local ACLU or visit www.aclu.org/profiling.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Later this month, Missoula's Community Medical Center will be offering both virtual and in-person social and support spaces for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender diverse youth. Email pbecker@communitymed.org for the location and/or zoom link.

A graphic reading Education and Support for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender diverse youth, with Polly Becker, LCSW, and Andrew Laue, LCSW. Sept 10 5:30-10pm Social gathering and Sept 23 5:30-7pm support group. Additional dates will be added. Virtual and in-person. RSVP for location and/or zoom link pbecker@communitymed.org . This group is for adults only.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

Join us TOMORROW (Thursday, September 4) 6-7:30pm at the Bozeman Public Library for a panel discussion about immigration. Our Legal Director Alex Rate will be joined by local law enforcement, attorneys, civil rights experts, and the County attorney for Gallatin County. Hope to see you there!

A graphic reading "immigration education night: join us for a FREE panel discussion and community dialogue. Thurs, Sept 4, 6-7:30pm"

A graphic reading
Join ACLU of Montana's Legal Director and Deputy Director Alex Rate and others for an inclusive discussion about immigration featuring a diverse panel including
Local law enforcement
Attorneys
Civil rights experts
County attorney for Gallatin County
WHERE: Bozeman Public Library
Community Room
626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715

WHEN: Sept 4 | 6PM-7:30PM

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Happy Labor Day! Did you know that Montana’s first labor union–the Helena Typographical Union Local No. 95–was established all the way back in 1866? Since then, most of Montana’s labor unions have been railroad workers, miners, and smelters.

A photo of Asian-American laborers working on a railroad. The caption reads Happy Labor Day! Pictured: The Last Spike of the Pacific Coast Extension of the Milwaukee Road, near Garrison, Montana, 1909, taken by R.H. McKay.

Picture from the online Montana History Portal of the Montana State Library.'

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

The 2025 Missoula Municipal Primary Election is just around the corner and Forward Montana has created a great voter guide to help you understand the candidates, the issues, and how to cast your ballot. 🗳️You can even watch a recording of a candidate forum from earlier this month!

A graphic of a person voting with the text 2025 missoula municipal primary election. The Missoula Municipal Primary Election will take place on September 9th. Absentee ballots were mailed out starting August 20th. If you are mailing your ballot in please send it by August 29th to ensure it arrives at the county elections office on or before September 9th.

If you are not registered to vote, you can still register the day of the election!
link in bio to Forward Montana’s voter guide for this election.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Regardless of how someone seeks asylum in the United States, the process can years.

How are asylum seekers defined? Asylum is available to people who arrive or are already in the U.S. This protection is granted based on the same protected grounds as refugees.
There are 2 types of asylum: affirmative and defensive.

Affirmative Asylum for those proactively seeking asylum. Currently, affirmative asylum
applications take 5-6 years to
obtain an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Then, USCIS can take another
1-10 years to approve or deny the
application. If the application is denied, the client will be removed from the U.S.

Defensive Asylum for those facing deportation. Currently, defensive asylum applications filed with the U.S. Immigration Court take 4-5 years to obtain a final hearing.

Then, the immigration judge will decide whether to approve or deny. If denied, the client will be removed from the U.S.

People with refugee status are eligible to become Lawful Permanent Residents one year after admission to the United States. Asylum seekers are eligible to become Lawful Permanent Residents
one year after receiving asylum.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Humanitarian-based immigration offers a pathway to safety for those escaping persecution in their home countries. Without it, some individuals face decades-long waits for legal protection.

Understanding the U.S. Immigration System: Refugees &
Asylum Seekers

What is humanitarian-based immigration? The goal of humanitarian-based immigration is to provide safety for those fleeing persecution in their home country.

What is persecution? Persecution is defined as
unfair or cruel treatment of a person based on their:
Race
Membership in a particular social group
Political opinion
Religion
National origin

How are refugees defined? Refugees are admitted to the U.S. based on the inability to return to their home countries because of a “well-founded fear of persecution.” Each year, the president, in consultation with Congress, determines the number of refugee admissions. Refugees apply for admission from outside the U.S.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

Last week, the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and two Native voters filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana challenging Chouteau County’s unfair, at-large voting system for the Board of County Commissioners. www.aclumontana.org/en/press-rel...

We’re defending Indigenous Voting Rights in front of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana

In Chippewa Cree v.
Chouteau County, the
ACLU of Montana, ACLU Voting Rights Project, and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) are representing the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation and two Native voters to challenge Chouteau County’s unfair at-large voting system for the Board of County Commissioners.

The current system weakens the voting strength of Native voters and has denied them any representation on the county commission for more than a decade.

"We’re filing this lawsuit because Choteau County continues to hold elections in which the Native votes don’t count,” said Chippewa Cree Tribe Chairman Harlan Gopher. "The Chippewa Cree Tribe filed this lawsuit to prevent this local government from trampling on the civil rights of our people. A fair redistricting process must respect the boundaries and voice of our Nation.”

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

The Montana Two-Spirit Society Gathering returns this weekend in Rollins. 🌈✨Rooted in Indigenous tradition and sovereignty, the Gathering is a space for Two-Spirit people and allies to connect, heal, and celebrate. 📅 August 2025 • Rollins, MT 📲 Visit www.mttwospirit.org/mt-two-spiri... to learn more

Text:
Montana Two-Spirit Society Gathering
August 14 2025 • Rollins, MT

Text:
Two-Spirit is an English term coined in 1990 by Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders. Two Spirit is a term used by Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous populations in North America to talk about people who:
Embody masculine and feminine traits
Don’t fit into Western ideas of “male” or “female.”.

Two-Spirit identities have always existed in Indigenous communities.
Before colonization, many tribes honored people whose roles blended male and female cultural responsibilities, who held unique ceremonial duties, or who were healers, mediators, and keepers of tradition.

Founded in 1996 by Native 2SLGBTQIA+ Montanans, the Montana Two-Spirit Society creates spaces for cultural sharing, community care, and healing from the impacts of colonization. The annual Gathering is one of its most powerful traditions.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Your voice is a crucial part of protecting civil liberties! At the ACLU of Montana, your input from our Supporter Survey directly strengthens our fight to protect civil liberties statewide. It’s as easy as: click link, fill out survey, enter to win merch!

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

Pride is joy, resistance, and community in motion. Join us in Helena! We'll be tabling at Anchor Park from 10am to 6pm and marching in the parade at 2pm! Bring your brightest, most authentic self to say hi or to march with us in the parade. 🌈 See you there!

A rainbow graphic with clasping hands, reading Join the ACLU of Montana at Montana Pride Helena. Bring Pride flags, ACLU or rainbow clothing, posters, or anything that reflects what Pride means to you! Saturday, August 2
ACLU of Montana wll be
tabling at Anchor Park from 10am to 6pm
and marching in the parade at 2pm

Hope to see you there!

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

On June 14, we’re joining communities across Montana to stand up for our civil liberties and peacefully protest abuses of power. Events statewide, find the rally happening near you at nokings.org

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

Ocean Vuong reminds us: we are not what tried to harm us. We are what bloomed anyway. #AAPIHeritageMonth

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

They tried to silence us, we told our stories louder. This #AAPIHeritageMonth, get to know the change makers who dare to make waves and turn tides, challenging the status quo and inspiring transformative change, propelling us forward towards a future where AAPI voices are heard and valued.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

This is what accountability looks like. We’re not going anywhere - stay with us.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Montana’s HB 642 would fine unhoused folks $500 a day just for sleeping outside. That’s not justice—it’s punishment. Let’s build a Montana rooted in care, not cruelty. Call your legislators and urge a NO vote.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 14/04/2025

Two MSU students lost their legal status without warning. No violations. No due process. The ACLU of Montana is fighting back. We all deserve fair treatment under the law. Learn more: Roe v. Noem.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

A big win for trans Montanans! This victory brings much-needed relief—and it’s all thanks to the power of community. Take a moment to celebrate. When we show up together, change is inevitable.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

SB 525 puts Montana’s public schools at risk by allowing chaplains to support students, compromising religious neutrality and potentially harming students from diverse backgrounds. Speak out at the April 9 hearing—let’s keep schools safe, inclusive, and secular!

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Women’s History Month may be over, but that’s no reason to stop celebrating the Montana women fighting for justice. From LGBTQ+ rights to Indigenous advocacy, their work is shaping a more just Montana—learn about their impact and how you can stand with them.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Today is day 66 of the Montana legislative session. Lots has already happened, and there's lots more to be done! Learn more and get involved at www.aclumontana.org/en/news/we-a...

A graphic reading News & Updates, Today is day 66 of the Montana legislative session

HOLDING THE LINE: ACLU-MT, Legal Voice, and ACLU obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) in a lawsuit targeting HB 121, an anti-trans bill signed into law last week. THERE’S MORE TO BE DONE: We need to OPPOSE harmful bills including SB 490, HB 395, SB 543, HB 400, and HB 471.

A graphic reading Get Involved, Call the Montana Legislature at 406-444-3064, visit linktr.ee/ACLU_MT (link in bio)

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

🚨 Montana’s HB 121: A Step Backward 🚨 HB 121 bans trans, intersex & gender-nonconforming people from public facilities, fueling discrimination & harm. ❌ Erases trans & intersex people ❌ Allows lawsuits for simply existing ❌ Forces impossible choices

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Testifying at the Montana Legislature isn’t just for policy experts—it’s for you. Public testimony has stopped bad bills before, and your voice could be the one that makes the difference. Keep it short, personal, and clear. Show up, speak up, and make an impact. Swipe for a step-by-step guide.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Laws change when we speak up. SB 147 protects Native children, upholds tribal sovereignty, and keeps families together. Your testimony can make the difference. Write, speak, show up. Your voice matters. Submit testimony and make an impact before it’s too late.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

📣 TOMORROW: Protest in SUPPORT OF MEDICAID! Join folks in Missoula on Tuesday, March 18th, starting at noon. People are gathering at the Union Club Bar to show their support. Your voice matters! #Medicaid #Missoula #Protest

A graphic reading Hands Off Medicaid: Missoula Community Protest, 12-1pm, 3/18/25, meet at Union Club Bar, for more info call/text Owen 406.304.0521

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

Montana’s legislative session just hit a major deadline: Transmittal Break. Some bills are dead, others are moving forward, and big funding decisions are ahead. Lawmakers are on break until March 13—now’s the time to get informed and ready to act. Stay tuned, we’ll break it all down for you.

What the Transmittal Break Means for You 📢 Montana’s legislative session just hit a major deadline. Bills that impact civil rights, public safety, and essential services have either moved forward or been stopped. Now, lawmakers pause for transmittal break (March 7-13). 💡 What does that mean? What’s next? Swipe to stay informed.

What is the Transmittal Break? ⚖️ Transmittal break happens halfway through the session. Any general bill that didn’t pass out of its original chamber (House or Senate) by March 7 is dead for the session. What this means: Some harmful bills were stopped. Others moved forward and will be debated after the break. The next phase will focus on budget and funding—decisions that shape our communities. 💬 We’re tracking what’s still in play—so you don’t have to. Swipe to stay informed.

The break is temporary, but the decisions ahead are BIG. Bills that passed one chamber will move to the other for further debate. Some of the most important fights are ahead—especially for civil rights, voting access, and public funding. This is a critical time to prepare, stay informed, and be ready to take action. Lawmakers are coming back soon. Let’s make sure our voices are heard. Swipe to stay informed.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

📢 We’re honoring Women’s History Month by introducing you to three powerful Montana women who broke new ground in Montana history. #WomensHistoryMonth

A graphic with colorful silhouettes of various women. The text reads "MARCH IS Women’s History Month. Notable Women from Montana History Swipe to learn more!"

A black and white photograph of a Black woman with styled hair, jewelry, and clothing. The text reads "An entrepreneur and business owner, Sarah Bickford was born into slavery and moved to Montana after the Civil War. While in Montana, Bickford owned a bakery, a boarding house, an orchard, and a garden. Following the death of her husband in 1900, Bickford became the only Black woman in Montana (and likely in the nation) to own and operate a utility company. She was known for visiting every customer and collecting bills directly, without hiring a bill collector. Sarah Bickford. 1856 - 1931."

A black and white photograph of an older white woman staring seriously into the camera. The text reads "An American politician, Jeannette Rankin became first woman to hold federal office in the United States when Montana elected her to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916. Rankin was born in the Montana Territory, nine years before Montana became a state. She was heavily involved in philanthropy and the women’s suffrage movement, organizing with the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA). In 1920, she helped found the ACLU and served as a vice president. ACLU of Montana continues to honor Rankin with the annual Jeannette Rankin Civil Liberties Award, to acknowledge individuals and organizations who demonstrate strength of character and commitment to progressive principles. Jeannette Rankin. 1880 - 1973"

A black and white photograph of an Assiniboine woman staring into the camera. The text reads "Montana’s first Indigenous legislator, Dolly Smith Cusker Akers was a lifelong champion of Indigenous rights. Akers fought for the rights of Indigenous people to live independent lives, free of interference from Federal and State governments. In 1933-34, she served both as Montana’s first Indigenous legislator and as the only woman in that legislative session. Akers made over 50 trips to Washington, D.C., over the course of her career. She advocated for the 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act, a bill that allowed tribes to secure independent legal counsel, and much more. Akers was the first woman chair of the Tribal Executive Board of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Dolly Smith Cusker Akers. 1901 - 1986."

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

The phones are open! As #trans voices are being silenced, we’re creating a chorus of trans joy that can’t be ignored. Call and share: What do you love about being a trans Montanan? Leave a voicemail at 406-203-3376 by March 22 & consent for us to share. Your joy matters. Your voice is power. #tdov

A graphic of a hand holding a phone with the text
The phones are open
We’re documenting trans joy for TDOV and we want to hear from you!
A trans day of visibility COMMUNITY ART PROJECT BY THE ACLU OF MONTANA
Submit by Mar 21 to be included

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

🚨 HB 675 & HB 682 push 2S-LGBTQ+ people out of public life. One censors drag, the other punishes trans healthcare. We see through the BS—show up & fight back! Hearings 2/28 at 7 AM & 9 AM. Call your reps NOW!

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

🚨 SB 218 is a direct attack on trans healthcare. It intimidates doctors, limits access to care, and puts lives at risk. We must act now. Call your legislators, spread the word, and demand they vote NO on SB 218. Trans Montanans deserve healthcare, not political attacks.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

🚗💨 PLI or bust! Join us at Catalyst Montana’s Policy Leadership Institute 2025 for two must-attend workshops: ⚖️ Feb 14: Montana’s criminal legal system, explained through bills. 🗳️ Feb 15: The fight against Project 2025 & threats to democracy. See you there! #PLI2025

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

SB 52 strips Montanans of their right to access fair courts. Unelected judges would rule on critical issues such as constitutional rights—without voter accountability. Courts should serve people, not politicians. Tell your legislators: Vote NO on SB 52.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Black and Indigenous struggles are deeply connected. From resisting slavery and colonization to fighting for racial justice today, their solidarity drives change. This Black History Month, honor their shared history. Check out these resources and join us in advocating for justice.

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ACLU of Montana @aclu-mt.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

One month into Montana’s legislative session, here’s where Indigenous Justice stands: ✅ SB 83, SB 147, SB 182, SB 181 ❌ HB 216. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for updates and action alerts. Let’s keep the momentum going! ✊

2025 Indigenous Justice Legislative Round Up

Sen. Windy Boy, SB 147 - Montana Indian Child Welfare Act: Enacts state-level protections mirroring the federal Indian Child Welfare Act to preserve Native American families. Our grade: thumbs up
Sen. Windy Boy, SB 181 - Indian Education For All Accountability: Enhances accountability measures to ensure proper implementation of Montana's Indian Education for All program. Our grade: thumbs up

Rep. Running Wolf
HB 83 - MMIP Task Force
Revenue Account: Establishes a special revenue account for the Montana Missing Indigenous Persons Task Force to accept external funding. Our grade: thumbs up
Sen. Windy Boy
SB 182 - Montana Indian Language Program: Creates an interim task force to study the dependency and neglect court system, specifying members and duties. Our grade: thumbs up
HB 216 Allow FW Commission to issue hunting licenses to private landowners within Flathead Indian Reservation. Our grade: thumbs down

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