Defending Liberty Since 1791
Freedom of Speech Is the Foundation of Democracy
The First Amendment protects our most fundamental right: the freedom to speak, think, and express ourselves without government censorship. Learn why this right matters and what happens when it's taken away.
The Law of the Land
The First Amendment
Ratified on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Freedom of Religion
Practice any faith—or none at all
Freedom of Speech
Express your views without censorship
Freedom of the Press
Report news without government control
Right to Assemble
Gather peacefully to protest or advocate
The Foundation of Liberty
Why Free Speech Matters
Freedom of speech isn't just a legal protection—it's the cornerstone of a free society and the enabler of all other rights.
Protection from Tyranny
Free speech prevents governments from silencing dissent and criticism, which is the first step toward authoritarian control.
Marketplace of Ideas
Open debate allows the best ideas to emerge through competition, driving innovation and social progress.
Self-Governance
Democracy requires informed citizens who can freely discuss and debate policies, candidates, and ideas.
Check on Power
The press and citizens can expose corruption, wrongdoing, and abuse of power when speech is protected.
Academic Freedom
Scientific advancement and education depend on the freedom to question, challenge, and explore unpopular ideas.
Political Participation
Citizens must be able to advocate for change, organize movements, and petition their government freely.
"If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."
— George Washington
A Global Perspective
Life Without Free Speech
While Americans enjoy First Amendment protections, billions of people around the world face imprisonment, torture, or death for simply speaking their minds.
In the United States
- Criticize the government freely
- Access uncensored internet and social media
- Organize protests and peaceful demonstrations
- Practice any religion or none
In Authoritarian Countries
- Imprisoned for criticizing leaders
- Internet censored and surveilled
- Protesters killed or disappeared
- Religious minorities persecuted
China
Extensive internet censorship (Great Firewall), imprisonment for online criticism, banned social media platforms, and heavy surveillance of all communications.
- Discussion of Tiananmen Square is banned
- Journalists imprisoned for reporting
- Social credit system penalizes speech
- VPNs criminalized for citizens
North Korea
Total information control with no free press, no internet access for citizens, and severe punishment including execution for criticism of the regime.
- No independent media exists
- Foreign media possession is criminal
- Three generations punished for dissent
- Citizens cannot leave the country
Russia
Independent media shut down, journalists assassinated, laws criminalizing 'fake news' about the military, and social media platforms blocked.
- 15 years prison for 'war misinformation'
- Independent news outlets banned
- Protesters arrested and imprisoned
- Opposition leaders jailed or killed
Iran
Internet shutdowns during protests, imprisonment and execution of journalists, mandatory hijab enforcement, and severe restrictions on women's rights activists.
- Protesters killed in the streets
- Social media heavily censored
- Women imprisoned for dress code
- Journalists face execution
Saudi Arabia
No political parties allowed, criticism of the royal family criminalized, and severe punishment for online speech including lengthy prison sentences.
- Blogger sentenced to 1,000 lashes
- Women's rights activists imprisoned
- Journalist murdered for criticism
- Religious speech strictly controlled
Cuba
State controls all media, independent journalism criminalized, limited internet access, and imprisonment for peaceful protest.
- Only state media permitted
- Artists jailed for protest songs
- Internet access restricted and monitored
- Peaceful protesters imprisoned
of the world's population lives in countries with restricted speech
journalists imprisoned worldwide in 2024
countries with severe internet censorship
Free Speech News
Stay informed with the latest news and developments in free speech, civil liberties, and First Amendment issues from trusted sources.
News aggregated from ACLU, Electronic Frontier Foundation, FIRE, and Reason Magazine
Speak Your Mind Freely
Exercise your First Amendment rights. Share your thoughts anonymously on free speech, democracy, and liberty. No account required.
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300 Years of Progress
The Evolution of Free Speech
The First Amendment didn't appear out of nowhere. It was built on centuries of struggle against censorship and tyranny.
English Bill of Rights
Established freedom of speech in Parliament, laying groundwork for colonial ideas about liberty.
Zenger Trial
John Peter Zenger acquitted for criticizing the colonial governor, establishing truth as a defense against libel.
Declaration of Independence
Founders articulated natural rights philosophy, including the right to speak freely against tyranny.
First Amendment Ratified
The Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment, became part of the U.S. Constitution.
Clear and Present Danger
Supreme Court established the 'clear and present danger' test in Schenck v. United States.
New York Times v. Sullivan
Landmark ruling protecting press freedom by requiring 'actual malice' for public figure defamation.
Brandenburg v. Ohio
Supreme Court established the modern standard: speech is protected unless it incites imminent lawless action.
Texas v. Johnson
Flag burning ruled as protected symbolic speech, affirming protection for unpopular expression.
Defend Freedom
Protect the First Amendment
Freedom isn't free. It requires vigilance, education, and active participation from every generation.
Educate Yourself
Learn about First Amendment case law and stay informed about threats to free speech.
Explore ResourcesSupport Organizations
Organizations like FIRE, ACLU, and others defend free speech rights in courts and on campuses.
Find OrganizationsSpeak Up
Exercise your rights. Participate in civic discourse, attend town halls, and make your voice heard.
Get InvolvedFree Speech Pulse
Voice your opinion anonymously
Question 1 of 5
Should hate speech be protected under the First Amendment?
Why Your Voice Matters
These polls help us understand how Americans feel about free speech issues today. Your anonymous response contributes to a broader picture of where we stand as a society on these critical questions.
- •Results are completely anonymous
- •See how your views compare to others
- •New questions explore different First Amendment topics
Never Take Freedom for Granted
The First Amendment is only as strong as our commitment to defend it—for everyone, even those with whom we disagree.
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