civil liberties
CIVIL LIBERTIES are the freedoms that we have under the law. In the UK the individual is presumed to be able to do anything not actually prohibited by law. (these are called negative rights) So we assume that we have, for example, freedom of speech and freedom of the Press. This means that we can say or write what we like, subject only to laws of libel, slander and incitement. Or that we have freedom of association, which means that we can form or join whatever parties, trade unions, clubs and pressure groups we see fit. Furthermore, we have freedom of movement, which means that a citizen can travel, reside in and work in any part of the state within the limits of respect for the liberty and rights of others.
Civil =law so these are not human rights which we are said to have regardless of the law.
In 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit for Zooey Zephyr against the Montana state legislature. They argue that her First Amendment rights to free speech are being violated. Zooey, who serves as an elected representative, faced accusations from Republicans of being disruptive during a debate on transgender rights. The legislature passed laws that restricted these rights, which Zooey opposed. She stated that the House leadership's attempts to silence her and her constituents are a serious threat to democracy. She believes they targeted her because she spoke out for the rights and needs of transgender people like herself.