Freedom of speech & religion

Protecting belief, expression, and democratic debate without coercion, censorship, or favoritism.

The courage of "&" in private and public expression

Freedom of religion and freedom of speech are foundational to American democracy, born from early settlers’ desire for autonomy from state-imposed belief and state-controlled expression, particularly under institutions like the Anglican Church in early America. These freedoms developed together as twin protections: the freedom to believe, worship, speak, and publish openly and the freedom from compelled belief, enforced orthodoxy, or state-sanctioned silence in public life. The courage of "&" means simultaneously defending religious liberty and free expression while ensuring a clear separation between church and state. This approach allows the government to protect individual conscience without favoring any particular belief and to uphold freedom of speech without resorting to coercion or censorship.

Financial security

When freedom of speech and religion are unevenly protected, economic consequences follow. Religious favoritism or censorship in public institutions can create legal uncertainty, invite costly litigation, and undermine trust in government and markets. Attacks on the press and individual speech through intimidation, coercion, or suppression also carry economic costs by distorting information, discouraging whistleblowing, and weakening the conditions for innovation and investment. A stable economy depends on transparent institutions, a free exchange of ideas, and clear boundaries between government authority and private belief.

Human dignity

Human dignity depends on the ability to think, believe, speak, and question without fear of punishment or exclusion. Protecting freedom of religion means ensuring people can practice faith freely in private and community life—while simultaneously not being compelled to conform to religious doctrine in public institutions. Protecting freedom of speech means resisting censorship, intimidation, and silencing, whether through government action, political pressure, or private power. A society that protects dignity allows disagreement without dehumanization and debate without fear of retribution.

Real solutions

• Uphold the separation of church and state: Maintain clear boundaries between government and religion so public institutions neither impose belief nor restrict private religious practice, protecting freedom of conscience for everyone.
  

• Protect religious freedom in private life and public neutrality in government: Safeguard individuals’ rights to worship, assemble, and express faith freely, while ensuring public spaces, schools, and government services remain inclusive and free from religious coercion.
  

• Reject book bans and restore parental choice: Oppose book bans and micromanagement of access to ideas in public schools and libraries, empowering every parent with the freedom to monitor and guide their own children’s reading while keeping government small and restrained.
  

• Defend a free and independent press: Protect journalists and media organizations from coercion, intimidation, and retaliation, recognizing that a free press is essential to democratic accountability and informed self-government. Additionally, advocate for standards of honesty by promoting ethical journalism practices and accountability measures to ensure accurate reporting, while encouraging public media literacy to foster an informed citizenry.

• Promote transparency and fairness in digital speech platforms: Encourage transparency and due process in content moderation, so speech is not subjectively throttled or shadowbanned, while respecting constitutional limits on government control of private platforms.