Jay Sekulow: Historic Religious Liberty Win 25 Years Ago

Jay Sekulow: Historic Religious Liberty Win 25 Years Ago Nowadays at Supreme Court


You can listen for the oral arguments .
On that day, June 15, 1987, I knew the Supreme Court will be issuing opinions. There was no web, no instant communications to discover out what the Supreme Court had decided. I placed a call from a spend phone towards the Court from Chicago and asked in regards to the status of the situation. "A decision has been issued," the clerk responded. I waited. Then I heard the news. "Nine-zero, unanimous." I could not believe it. Stunned. That was an extremely emotional moment.
Each and each and every Justice agreed that religious speech has to be offered exactly the same protection as all other protected speech.
The unanimous Court held that the regulation at problem was overbroad on its face; in other words, it was so overreaching and violative from the 1st Amendment that "no conceivable governmental interest would justify such an absolute prohibition of speech." It was a resounding win for free speech and religious liberty.
Now, 25 years later for the day, I look back at that very first Supreme Court win with fondness and deep gratitude. At the time, I never ever imagined what would unfold within the following years. I've been privileged to return many instances for the Supreme Court to take part in oral arguments, and extremely fortunate to possess secured added victories safeguarding the constitutional rights of Americans.
The Lord has blessed the ACLJ with tremendous results. No query about that.
What is also true is the fact that none of it not the very first Supreme Court win a quarter century ago or any of our other victories would have been achievable without having the help of you our members. You'll find some who have been with us from the quite begin. And a lot of others that have joined with us over the years.