The free exercise of religion, the freedom of speech, and the freedom of assembly are each absolutely essential to the health of our Republic. That is why the Founding Fathers enshrined them all in the First Amendment.
Unfortunately, these freedoms are currently under assault.
Whatever one believes about the definition of marriage, one would hope that those who support same-sex marriage would respect the religious liberty of those who do not.
But that is not what is happening. Some same-sex marriage extremists are now trying to use the power of the state to punish those that have traditional religious beliefs about marriage.
Americans who believe in a traditional definition of marriage are now in danger of having their business licenses revoked; colleges with similar beliefs could lose their accreditation; military chaplains could be court-martialed; and faith-based hospitals could lose federal funding.
The freedom of speech is also under assault in Congress where some have pushed to repeal the First Amendment in a manner that would give sitting Members of Congress the power to control what is and is not said about them.
To protect the First Amendment, Sen. Lee has:
Fought for fair enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act
Sen. Lee Introduces First Amendment Defense ActSen. Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the First Amendment Defense Act Wednesday, a bill designed to prevent the federal government from discriminating against individuals or institutions based on their beliefs about marriage.
First Amendment Defense Act Q&AThe First Amendment Defense Act would prevent the federal government from discriminating against individuals and institutions based on their definition of marriage.
Lee Testimony on First Amendment Defense ActSenator Mike Lee's testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA).