As Election Day approaches on Tuesday, First Liberty, a non-profit legal organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, is urging American voters to carefully consider where candidates stand on issues of religious liberty. According to the organization, religious freedom is not only a cornerstone of the U.S. Constitution but also a vital right that underpins other civil liberties.
First Liberty highlights that the Founding Fathers prioritized religious freedom in the First Amendment as the “First Freedom,” stressing its importance as the foundation of all other rights. They argue that when the government assumes authority over matters of conscience, it opens the door to infringing on additional rights.
Religious freedom, First Liberty emphasizes, extends beyond mere “freedom to worship” within religious institutions. It encompasses the right to express one’s faith freely in all aspects of daily life, from the workplace to the public square, without fear of discrimination or penalties.
Despite America’s foundation on principles of religious liberty, First Liberty notes an alarming rise in attacks on this freedom. The organization points to its own case numbers: 20 years ago, it handled fewer than 50 legal matters annually; recently, that number surged to 620 cases within a single year.
First Liberty warns that electing leaders who do not prioritize religious liberty can have significant consequences, as they often support policies and ideologies that could limit the public expression of faith. The organization emphasizes that in many cases, “people of faith stayed home and didn’t vote,” allowing anti-religious-liberty agendas to advance unchecked.
For those concerned about religious freedom, First Liberty encourages a conscientious vote on Election Day, reminding Americans that this issue impacts not only religious communities but all citizens who value their constitutional rights.