Introducing MO Free Speech

[St. Louis, MO] - June 1, 2023, marks the official launch of MO Free Speech, a new organization formed to bring together citizens of all backgrounds to gain a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the values of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of inquiry in the State of Missouri. Committed to a deeper appreciation for these vital rights, MO Free Speech aims to empower individuals throughout the state.

Though freedom of speech is the most important and fundamental of all individual rights, it is among the newest and least understood. And it is constantly under attack. MO Free Speech therefore strives to educate ourselves and others about these critical values. Only informed citizens who value and exercise their rights can hope to keep them.

While many other worthy free-speech organizations exist, MO Free Speech’s mission it to encourage and protect free speech in Missouri. MO Free Speech seeks to bring together Missouri residents of all different backgrounds and interests, including writers, booksellers, artists, students, attorneys, journalists, musicians, activists, and others.

MO Free Speech pursues these goals:

• To foster an appreciation for the unfettered exchange of ideas—which requires that offensive, disagreeable, wrong, and even harmful ideas be open to debate;

• To oppose all forms of government censorship and coercion directed against speech;

• To oppose any attempt by any government to compel speech of citizens;

• To call out and oppose any resistance to or disparagement of free speech;

• To encourage and protect a culture of free speech, which extends far beyond the protections offered by constitutional provisions;

• To enrich our understanding of the manifold ways in which freedom of speech is exercised, including not only the freedom to speak and write but to listen and read; to express ourselves in symbolism, art, music, and humor; to assemble; to protest; to petition our government representatives; and to have full and speedy access to information held by the government;

• To gain an appreciation for the unique history of freedom of speech and expression in our own State of Missouri.

As this new organization takes its first steps towards promoting and safeguarding freedom of speech in Missouri, it invites Missourians from all walks of life to join the movement. By supporting MO Free Speech, individuals and organizations can actively contribute to the preservation of this fundamental right and create an environment where ideas can flourish.

The official kickoff meeting for MO Free Speech will be held on Thursday, June 1, in the auditorium of the Schlafly Library, 225 North Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. In the large conference room. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

"We firmly believe that all Missourians should have the freedom to express their thoughts, ideas, and beliefs,” said Benjamin Wilson, co-founder of MO Free Speech. "We are excited to launch this initiative and are committed to empowering individuals, fostering dialogue, and protecting the rights enshrined in our U.S. and Missouri constitutions."

About MO Free Speech:

MO Free Speech is a nonprofit, strictly nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating for and educating the residents of Missouri on the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression. Through its advocacy, educational initiatives, legal support, and online resources, MO Free Speech aims to foster a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, freedom of speech, expression, and inquiry in Missouri. For more information, visit https://www.mofreespeech.org/

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