The Free Speech Coalition, founded in 1993, is a nonpartisan group of ideologically diverse nonprofit organizations and the for-profit organizations which help them raise funds and implement programs. Our purpose is to protect the First Amendment rights of nonprofits and reduce or eliminate the excessive regulatory burdens they face, including the costly and duplicative fund-raising registration requirements now required in almost every state. Since the beginning of this Republic, there has likely never been a time when public officials have spoken so freely about restricting the free speech and First Amendment rights of American citizens whom they represent.
Momentum is high at the federal level and in many states to pass corresponding legislation.
We may be facing the greatest threat to our freedoms as public officials and bureaucrats seek to control the content, timing, and funding of public speech and issue advocacy. Yet the First Amendment was written to protect citizens' rights of freedom of speech and association, and the right to petition the government for grievances. During 1999, FSC will continue to stand together to preserve our First Amendment rights by upholding constitutional provisions, legislation and regulations that protect these unalienable rights, by countering attacks on these rights, and by seeking to change laws and regulations that violate these rights.