Free Speech

"The very reason for the First Amendment is to make
the people of this country free to think, speak, write
and worship as they wish, not as the Government commands."— Justice Hugo L. Black

The First Amendment guarantees every American the opportunity to freely express themself.  This fundamental freedom includes the right to distribute literature, discuss a multitude of views—even unpopular views, the right to engage in lawful picketing, and the right to peaceably assemble.  It is critically necessary that a free society value and honor a free marketplace of ideas, diversity of opinion, and free expression.  Defending this fundamental right is a central theme of The Rutherford Institute’s work because we believe that all other liberties depend on the right to speak freely. 

It is for these reasons that The Rutherford Institute is dedicated to preserving these fundamental rights for all Americans.  In fact, the Institute responds to hundreds of complaints of free speech violations each year and we provide literature for all who are interested in understanding their First Amendment rights.