Dear Friend,
It's no secret that the freedom to speak freely is under direct threat from activists and government officials.
Americans are censoring themselves more and more. Because the message that has been sent is clear: Dissent will be punished.
If you value the right to speak freely, there's a case the U.S. Supreme Court will hear this fall that you should know about.
And I'm hoping you will rush a gift of $35, $50, $75, or even $100 today to help defend your fellow American-and your free speech.
Like other artists, Alliance Defending Freedom client and Colorado web designer Lorie Smith serves all types of people, but she cannot design websites promoting every message that's requested of her.
For example, she can't create art that promotes certain political messages, atheism, or casinos. She also can't design anything that is un-American, degrades people who identify as LGBT, or disrespects someone's faith.
After learning about a speech-compelling Colorado law-and seeing her state victimize cake artist Jack Phillips, comparing him to slave holders and Nazis for living out his belief that marriage is the union of one man and woman-Lorie knew what the government was capable of.
Can the government control what you say? Can it force you to say things you don't believe?
According to the State of Colorado-yes.
That's why Lorie has stepped up to challenge the law. You don't lose your freedom of speech when you choose to make a living.
Lorie has taken her case to the U.S. Supreme Court, standing up for all Americans' precious right to free speech.
"The threat to me is real," Lorie says. "And I will continue to be censored unless a higher court steps in to make this right."
Alliance Defending Freedom is the largest legal organization committed to defending religious freedom, free speech, the right to life, parental rights, and God's design for marriage and the family.
We represent everyday Americans like you who are fighting for freedom, and we defend their cases all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if needed.
Cases that go all the way to the Supreme Court can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars-sometimes even more-from beginning to end. But we don't charge clients like Lorie to defend them in court. We depend upon the generosity of you and other concerned Americans to provide every dollar needed!
Will you make a gift of $35 or more right now to help defend Lorie and other Americans who are standing for free speech?
You see, for well over a decade, ADF has represented artists who have been willing to stand for their faith and the free speech rights of all Americans.
During that time, some of our clients have faced the loss of their livelihoods while others have been threatened with potential jail time.
No one should be forced to express a message that violates their core beliefs. Jack, Lorie, and other creative professionals have counted the cost and courageously, winsomely, and faithfully bore witness to the Truth of the Gospel and our God-given rights, guaranteed by our Constitution.
In Jack's case, Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the Supreme Court held that the government violated Jack's rights to freely exercise his faith. The state displayed blatant hostility toward his religious beliefs.
But the Supreme Court's decision didn't address Jack's free speech rights.
In Lorie's case, the Court has agreed to consider that unresolved issue: whether the government can compel an artist's speech. And we are praying for a landmark victory for free speech.
It's critical, because governments across the country are threatening artists like Lorie with six figure fines and jail time for expressing their beliefs.
The government's responsibility is to protect freedom, not take it away. It has no power to purge ideas and censor protected speech.
As the ACLU warns, "Once you allow the government to censor someone else, you cede to it the power to censor you. Censorship is like poison gas...that can harm you when the wind shifts."
Now is the time to stand against government coercion.
Lorie won't be charged a dime for her defense. But that's only possible when you give. Will you make a gift of $35, $50, $75, $100, or more today?
For Free Speech,
Jonathan Scruggs
Senior Counsel
Director of the Center for Conscience Initiatives
P.S. Free speech is for everyone. You shouldn't be forced to say something you don't believe. Our top-tier, First Amendment litigation team is ready to defend your constitutional rights at all levels of the court system. But we can't take action in these battles without you standing by our side with financial support. We must stand together. Click here to make your best gift, today.
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