The following quote may be attributed to Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp, director of the ADF Center for Public Policy, regarding Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s signing Wednesday of SB 160, a bill protecting the First Amendment rights of student organizations at public universities:
“Universities should encourage freedom of speech and religion, not shut it down. That includes safeguarding the ability of belief-based student organizations to associate with those who align with the organization’s mission and purpose. We wouldn’t require a Democrat club to select a registered Republican as its president or an environmental club to be led by someone who supports drilling in the Arctic. In the same way, religious clubs must remain free to require their leaders to adhere to their religious beliefs and values. This critical legislation ensures that student groups at public universities can freely choose leaders who further their mission without fear of discrimination. ADF commends Rep. Darin Chappell, Sen. Brad Hudson, and the Missouri Legislature for their leadership, and Gov. Kehoe for standing with students and joining the 19 other states that have passed similar legislation.”
Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.
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