First Liberty Institute

This SCOTUS Case Could Impact Every Family in America

David E. Smith — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:00:16 +0000

Written by Jorge Gomez

The U.S. Supreme Court could soon decide whether to take up First Liberty’s case involving Blake Warner.

This is a major case that can ensure government doesn’t get in the way of parents deciding what’s best for their children.

Blake lives in Hillsborough County, Florida, where he filed a legal complaint against the school board. However, he was told by a court that he must have an attorney in order to legally represent his child.… Continue Reading

Is The Educational Tide Turning?

David E. Smith — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 11:44:41 +0000

Written by Robert Knight

For the last 30 years, E. Ray Moore has been persuading Christian parents to get their children out of government schools and into homeschooling or private education.

“I was swimming upstream for years, but I’m now swimming with the tide,” he told me recently while preparing for an educational summit in Lynchburg, Virginia. “I can’t keep up with it. There is too much going on.”

What began as a trickle when Mr. … Continue Reading

Democrats Show Contempt For The Constitution With Trump Conviction

David E. Smith — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:00:49 +0000

Written by Robert Knight

“Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret — it only causes harm.”
(Psalm 37:7-8)

The Scriptures are the best place to go when something makes no sense — like the unanimous jury conviction of former President Donald Trump.

A friend of mine who is wired into international intelligence added some perspective to the stunning 34-count guilty verdict against Mr.… Continue Reading

SCOTUS Case of Colorado Web Designer Has Big Implications for Religious Liberty

David E. Smith — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 13:00:26 +0000

Written by Jorge Gomez

The U.S. Supreme Court recently announced it will hear 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, a free speech case that could have major implications for religious liberty. This is a case being handled by our friends at the Alliance Defending Freedom.

It involves Lorie Smith, a Christian web designer from the Denver-area who declines to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, because of her religious beliefs. The case is expected to be heard during the Court’s next term, which begins in October.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: The Equality Act, Valiant Valedictorians, and Religious Freedom

David E. Smith — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 11:00:57 +0000

While attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention near Dallas, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, the largest legal firm in the U.S. solely focused on protecting religious freedom for all Americans. Their conversation begins with a discussion of the dangers of the Equality Act, or as Newt Gingrich calls it “the LGBT Supremacy Act.” Mr. Shackelford explains how passage of this act would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by launching a far-reaching assault on religious freedom in all areas of society.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Freedom Also Bears Responsibility

David E. Smith — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 13:00:22 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

Are you missing the crack of the bat that is the hallmark of “America’s Pastime?” If so, we have a different sort of power lineup for you on this edition of Spotlight. We lead off with Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel of First Liberty Institute. In remarks made prior to recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings, Mr. Shackelford lauds President Donald J. Trump and his administration for protecting and promoting religious freedoms and securing conservative appointments to key judicial seats.… Continue Reading