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When marriage debate turns ugly, no one wins

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

Mormon leaders should have anticipated blowback after they directed all of their California congregations to get involved in the “Yes on 8” campaign. Perhaps they didn’t foresee just how outsized the response would be.

New blend of media expands free speech, press

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008

The 21st century dynamics of free press and free speech are an intriguing blend of traditional news media, new technology, personal messages and even entertainment programming. And, considering the success of President-elect Barack Obama’s use of e-mail, text messages and social-networking sites like facebook.com in his campaign, First Amendment scholars may be revising contemporary definitions of assembly and petition as well.

Beyond the election: Out of many, one

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008

A high priority for President-elect Obama isn’t only the economy or the two wars but also the urgent need to unify Americans and develop a common vision of the common good across our differences.

States differ on what voters can wear to the polls

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008

Proponents of clothing-and-insignia bans in some states envision polling-place nightmares if free political speech is on display as voting occurs.

Without character, freedom fails

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008

Last Sunday, Colin Powell's wife, Alma, delivered a simple but profound message: Unless we act now to strengthen the character of our nation’s youth—and give them the resources to succeed—the United States will not be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Despite flaws, our elections are a festival of free speech

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008

Americans once again can celebrate a primary and general election season of unique and open exchanges of views among candidates and citizens alike, despite a few noteworthy potholes in the First Amendment highway.

When pastors turn pulpits into partisan platforms

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008

Nothing in the tax code prohibits sermons that address public-policy questions of concern to people of faith. The IRS draws the line only when clergy take sides in political campaigns by endorsing (or opposing) political parties or candidates when speaking from the pulpit.

Case involving fake Web page may have chipped away at student-speech rights

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008

At least one federal judge says school officials can reach off-campus and into cyberspace and the home to punish what the court agreed was a “vulgar and lewd” Web posting aimed at a school principal.

Using religion to win votes subverts the Constitution

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008

In the long history of religion in presidential campaigns, the 2008 race may well be remembered as the sleaziest and most disturbing example of misusing religion to win votes and demonize the opposition.

Many don’t seem to fear government fiddling with our rights

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008

As the nation on Sept. 17 again marks Constitution Day, it’s worth noting what a difference a few centuries make.

Freedom under fire: Israel and the lessons of 9/11

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008

For Americans debating how to balance freedom and security in a post-9/11 world, Sderot--indeed all of Israel--offers a case study in how to combat terrorism while simultaneously maintaining a commitment to freedom of expression in Israeli society.

Common sense—and good law—prevails in student-speech dispute

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008

The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals weighed in Sept. 2 with a common-sense decision supporting the rights of students to object to—of all things—a school policy.

Should churches mix God and politics?

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008

The pendulum is moving the other way. In a survey released by Pew last week, a majority (52 percent) now want churches to keep out of politics. Here’s the surprising part: The greatest shift in opinion has occurred among conservatives.

Let’s hope convention cities respect right to protest

By GENE POLICINSKI - Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008

The conventions and their host cities are bracing for thousands of demonstrators. The First Amendment requires that police and public officials have more supportable reasons to shut down protests than vague concerns over order, safety or national image. They can’t legally stop the messengers just because they don’t like the message.

Why I am boycotting the China Olympics

By CHARLES C. HAYNES - Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008

For me, at least, the hypocrisy quotient is too high to stomach. That’s why I’m not watching the games.