The free exercise of religion, the freedom of speech, and the freedom of assembly are each absolutely essential to the health of our Republic. That is why the Founding Fathers enshrined them all in the First Amendment.

Unfortunately, these freedoms are currently under assault.

Whatever one believes about the definition of marriage, one would hope that those who support same-sex marriage would respect the religious liberty of those who do not.

But that is not what is happening. Some same-sex marriage extremists are now trying to use the power of the state to punish those that have traditional religious beliefs about marriage.

Americans who believe in a traditional definition of marriage are now in danger of having their business licenses revoked; colleges with similar beliefs could lose their accreditation; military chaplains could be court-martialed; and faith-based hospitals could lose federal funding.

The freedom of speech is also under assault in Congress where some have pushed to repeal the First Amendment in a manner that would give sitting Members of Congress the power to control what is and is not said about them.

To protect the First Amendment, Sen. Lee has:

Introduced the First Amendment Defense Act.

Opposed S.J. Res 19.

Fought for fair enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act