The right to equal treatment regardless of race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical handicap, or other such classification. These rights apply to such places as the voting booth, the classroom, the workplace and the courts. The right to be treated fairly when facing criminal charges or other serious accusations that can result in such penalties as loss of employment, exclusion from school, denial of housing, or cut-off of public benefits. The right to a guaranteed zone of personal privacy and autonomy which cannot be penetrated by the government or by other institutions, like employers, with substantial influence over an individual's rights. Reproductive freedom is considered to be a privacy right.
Lawsuits can affect a large number of people in two ways.
A government policy or practice may be challenged which has a direct impact on many people. Second, a lawsuit brought on behalf of one person can have a larger impact on others in the long run when it establishes or expands legal protections. If your complaint falls into one of the categories listed here, please see the list of organizations listed below for assistance. You are involved in a domestic dispute, such as a divorce or custody issue. - You were denied benefits such as unemployment or workmen's compensation. There are many cases and problems of unfairness and injustice which the ACLU of Virginia is simply unable to handle.