ACLU RI announces ‘victory for First Amendment rights’ as State of the State protests allowed in rotunda

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island announced that the state has agreed to allow a planned protest in the State House rotunda during 2026’s State of the State Address.

In 2025, protesters appeared at the speech from Governor Dan McKee, calling for a public health emergency to combat economic disparity and homelessness in Rhode Island.

The group was blocked from the rotunda and the second floor by police, leading to an ACLU RI lawsuit against the McKee administration.

A statement from the ACLU RI said, in part:

In an important preliminary victory for First Amendment rights and the role of the Capitol building as a quintessential forum for free speech activity, state officials have agreed to keep most of the first floor and rotunda at the State House open for use by the public, including those engaged in peaceful protest, immediately prior to, and during, Governor McKee’s upcoming annual “State of the State” address in January.

Governor McKee will give the address on January 13 at 7 p.m.