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
New evidence proves Biden administration pressured Facebook and Twitter to censor Americans
Author and data analyst Justin Hart filed new evidence in his federal lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter, and U.S. President Joe Biden documenting collusion between social media companies and the federal government to silence Americans.
Read more...Ahead of key Illinois Supreme Court elections, federal judge blocks state campaign contribution limits in judicial races – Chicago Tribune
This article by Dan Petrella was published October 17, 2022 on chicagotribune.org. With less than a month to go before voters determine the balance of power on the Illinois Supreme Court, a federal judge has temporarily blocked provisions in two recent Democratic-backed state laws that limit contributions in judicial races. The decision, handed down Friday,
Read more...Judge blocks IL Dems’ law to block out-of-state donations to judge campaigns – Cook County
This article by Jonathan Bilyk was published October 17, 2022 on cookcountyrecord.com. A federal judge has blocked Illinois from enforcing its law forbidding anyone from outside Illinois from contributing to the campaigns of those seeking election as judges, as the federal judge indicated the law appears to be based on little more than Illinois Democrats’
Read more...Judge orders suspension of two Illinois laws limiting judicial campaign contributions
With three weeks until the election, a federal judge in Illinois has blocked two laws restricting contributions in judicial campaigns. The laws restrict contributions only in judicial campaigns by prohibiting out-of-state donations to candidates and placing arbitrary limits on contributions to independent expenditure committees.
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