General Discussion

For example, because association supports other First Amendment activity, the Court has recognized that compelling disclosure of one’s associations can inhibit exercising protected First Amendment rights, particularly where disclosure would subject an individual to threats, harassment, or economic reprisals.18 Accordingly, First Amendment protections are triggered not only by actual restrictions on an individual’s ability to join with others to further shared goals, but also by laws or regulations that may have a chilling effect on association.19