Free speech
We work to ensure that advocates are free to express themselves and support issues that matter to them without the fear of reprisal. We’ve also got the backs of journalists who face pushback from the government as a result of their work to hold politicians accountable and to increase government transparency.
The Issue at a glance: A right to privacy and speech
Every American has the constitutional right to support issues they believe in without fear of harassment or retaliation. But across the United States, politicians are working overtime to silence those who seek to hold them accountable or those who hold points of view different from their own. To scare Americans into staying silent, politicians are enacting laws aimed at publicizing their advocacy, called “disclosure laws.”
By naming and shaming individuals who support different viewpoints, these laws effectively prevent everyday Americans from speaking out to advance causes they believe in. We won’t let these crucial First Amendment rights be trampled on.
Our victories
Companies bidding for Montana’s state contracts were required to disclose political donations made within 60 days of an election – a clear tool of economic retribution against the supporters of political opponents. Our lawsuit led to this being struck down in February 2021.
In New Jersey, advocacy organizations were forced to give the government private information about the people who support their efforts – a law designed to allow opponents of advocacy groups to intimidate and harass the organizations’ supporters. In March 2020, we succeeded in having this provision blocked.
What’s Next?
Liberty Justice Center is currently working with advocates in New Mexico, Illinois, and other states to strike down unfair “disclosure” laws.
Having a voice means more than just talking
Liberty Justice Center is on the front lines of fighting to protect your free speech rights. Our attorneys already are challenging so-called “disclosure” requirements in New Mexico, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Montana. We’ve also got the backs of journalists who face pushback from the government as a result of their work to hold politicians accountable and to increase government transparency.
Resources
Federal lawsuit challenges new limits on contributions to Illinois judicial candidates – Chicago Tribune
This article by Dan Petrella was published August 3, 2022 on chicagotribune.org. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago by the conservative Liberty Justice Center on behalf of John Matthew Chancey, Fair Courts America and Restoration PAC, comes three months before Illinois voters will cast ballots in two state Supreme Court races that
Read more...Lawsuit challenges campaign contribution limits to judicial races in Illinois
Federal lawsuit says new restrictions banning out-of-state contributions violate free speech
Read more...‘Excessive Engagement in Politics’ Causing Mass Exodus From Nation’s Largest Labor Unions: Analysts – The Epoch Times
According to a survey of 3,000 potential union members conducted in 2021, “excessive engagement in politics is the number one obstacle” preventing them from joining a union
Read more...The Center Square again files First Amendment motion to open Tennessee judicial decision-making meetings – KPVI News 6
The Center Square has filed a second motion for a preliminary injunction to open the meetings of the state’s bench-bar advisory commission, the second such First Amendment motion in a case filed by the nonprofit’s executive editor.
Read more...View All Resources
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