Ann Arbor Backs Down From Compelled Speech Law
This past week saw a victory for freedom of speech in Michigan. ThinkRight Strategies, an Ann Arbor based political consulting firm was informed that the city will not attempt to enforce a law that would have required speech and support for views that could have potentially compromised their personal beliefs and moral ethics. CTV made note of this case earlier this summer (which you can view here: https://www.facebook.com/ctvmichigan/posts/2296513443780982).
According to Alliance Defending Freedom, who served as legal council for ThinkRight Strategies the Ann Arbor law “…makes it illegal for businesses to “discriminate” based on “political beliefs.” If Ann Arbor were to apply this law to ThinkRight, then advocacy materials ThinkRight creates for Republican candidates to promote limited government, lower taxes, and the sanctity of life, must also be created for Socialist candidates to promote government control, higher taxes, and abortion on demand.”
We must remain highly vigilant to ensure the protection of our First Amendment freedoms, because they are the foundation of our society. A government that requires its citizens to advocate for issues holds the power over ideas themselves. Stay tuned to CTV for future updates.
