Chamber Praises Supreme Court in Issue Advocacy Case Ruling Reaffirms Freedom of Speech

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce applauded today's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Federal Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc., ensuring that bona fide issue advocacy is unconditionally protected by the 1st Amendment of the Constitution.

"When it comes to protecting political speech, this court is willing to tip the scales in favor of the speaker over the censor, even when the censor is wearing the clothing of campaign finance reform. Individuals and organizations from across the political spectrum want to freely petition their government, have a right to, and with this decision, they can," said Steven J. Law, the Chamber's chief legal officer and general counsel.

The Supreme Court previously ruled that "issue advocacy" should be judged within the context of the government's concern with the corrupting influence of money in the political process. This decision brought clarity to the rights of all Americans – including organized groups within the private sector – that speaking out and publicly petitioning government, regardless of what day the calendar reads, is protected under the Constitution.

In today's decision, the Court ruled that for free speech in the form of an advertisement to be protected; it must follow specific guidelines. The advertisement must reference a specific legislative issue and take a position on that issue rather than contesting a candidate's fitness for office.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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