Press Releases - ACLU of Massachusetts

Oct 14, 2025

Massachusetts Court Blocks Religious Statues on Government Building in Quincy

Norfolk Superior Court granted a preliminary injunction blocking the planned installation of two large statues of Catholic saints outside the entrance of the new public safety headquarters in Quincy.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency, Freedom of Religion and Belief

Jun 24, 2024

Legislative committee advances bill to modernize Open Meeting Law, guarantee hybrid meetings

In the wake of the pandemic, too many government bodies have reverted to in-person-only meetings, disenfranchising people with disabilities and others.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency

Apr 01, 2024

Virtual access to public meetings set to expire March 31, 2025

Accessibility makes our democracy stronger, and we can’t afford to close the door on people who previously faced barriers to exclusively in-person meetings.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency

Feb 27, 2024

Advocates criticize Municipal Empowerment Act’s approach to public meeting reforms

It’s time to guarantee the permanent removal of long-standing barriers to participation that particularly impact people with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency

Jan 23, 2024

Supreme Judicial Court rules that Hampden DA withheld exculpatory evidence of police misconduct

In a major decision, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office violated its duties to disclose and inquire about exculpatory evidence of widespread police misconduct.

Issue Areas: Police Accountability, Government Transparency, Criminal Law Reform

Jul 26, 2023

Public access advocates testify in support of guaranteed hybrid open meetings

Hybrid meetings are the only way to maximize public access to government deliberations. The legislature should update the Open Meeting Law to guarantee hybrid meetings moving forward.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency

May 09, 2023

ACLU files public records lawsuit against Auditor’s Office for wrongfully withholding records

The ACLU of Massachusetts today filed a public records lawsuit against the Office of the State Auditor for wrongfully withholding documents related to prisoner deaths and health care at houses of correction in two counties.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency

Mar 23, 2023

Advocates call for permanent reforms to guarantee hybrid open meetings

This session, the legislature has the opportunity to pass a new law guaranteeing hybrid public participation in open meetings—now and for the future.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency

Mar 10, 2023

ACLU: Public meetings can be efficient, orderly, and open for public comment after SJC free speech ruling

The ACLU of Massachusetts shares how cities and towns can conduct orderly and efficient government meetings while retaining public comment sessions.

Issue Areas: Government Transparency, Free Speech and Expression

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