Protect the right to speak together
On Sept. 25, 1789, Congress sent the states a package of proposed constitutional amendments. The freedoms to speak, assemble, publish, and petition were enshrined in what became the First Amendment.
TL;DR
- New "corporate power reset" campaigns are spreading across states, ostensibly to curb "corporate political activity and dark money."
- These campaigns seek to silence civic organizations from discussing elections and ballot measures, or strip them of their charters.
- Hawaii has enacted such a law (Act 11), and Montana voters will decide on a similar measure.
- Publicly traded corporations account for a small percentage of political spending, and these laws primarily target unions, charities, and advocacy groups.
- The Institute for Free Speech is challenging Act 11 in federal court, arguing it unconstitutionally infringes on free speech and assembly.
- A Massachusetts Attorney General previously refused to certify a similar initiative, recognizing its constitutional flaws.