Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) marks a significant milestone in 2024, celebrating 30 years of commitment to defending religious freedom, parental rights, and human dignity.
What is Alliance Defending Freedom?
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life.
Alliance Defending Freedom Church Alliance and Alliance Defending Freedom Ministry Alliance extend access to ADF’s legal expertise and proven track record in religious liberty cases to churches, schools, pregnancy centers, and other Christian ministries.
Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International serves as the global branch of the Alliance Defending Freedom organization, functioning as an intergovernmental body dedicated to championing religious freedom, freedom of speech, and the right to life on a global scale.
The organization offers legal assistance to individuals whose essential human rights, religious liberty, and freedom of expression and conscience face imminent threats.
A History of Landmark Wins
Within weeks of its founding on January 31, 1994, ADF supported its first Supreme Court victory and has since played a role in over 70 wins.
ADF has secured 15 Supreme Court triumphs as lead counsel in the past decade on behalf of churches, businesses, pregnancy centers, students, and others.
Upholding Free Speech
Alliance Defending Freedom has been a stalwart defender of free speech even in the face of government attempts to censor beliefs.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in 303 Creative v. Elenis exemplifies ADF’s commitment to protecting individuals from being compelled to endorse messages conflicting with their convictions.
Protecting Life
ADF’s collaboration with Mississippi in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization stands as a landmark victory for the protection of life.
Dobbs led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which, in turn, empowered states to safeguard both mothers and unborn babies, aligning with ADF’s unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life.
Safeguarding Religious Rights
With cases like Thomas More Law Center v. Bonta, Alliance Defending Freedom has consistently defended the rights of organizations to operate in accordance with their religious beliefs.
By challenging government intrusion into donor privacy, ADF’s efforts contributed to safeguarding the First Amendment rights of charities and individuals alike.
Ensuring Freedom of Expression
ADF’s involvement in Uzuegbunam v. Preczewski underscored its commitment to ensuring freedom of expression.
By advocating for Chike Uzuegbunam’s right to share his faith without unconstitutional restrictions, ADF reinforced the principle that speech is protected and that citizens are entitled to damages if their constitutional rights are violated.
Defending Conscience Rights
Alliance Defending Freedom’s defense of March for Life and other religious organizations against the Affordable Care Act’s mandate exemplifies its commitment to defending conscience rights.
In March for Life v. Azar, the Supreme Court’s decision upheld the right of religious and pro-life organizations to adhere to their deeply held beliefs, protecting them from government overreach.
Preserving Religious Expression
ADF’s success in Town of Greece v. Galloway exhibited its commitment to preserving religious expression.
The Supreme Court’s ruling acknowledges the right of town councils to open public meetings with prayers, upholding the tradition of acknowledging America’s religious heritage.
Upholding Pro-Life Freedom
ADF’s representation in NIFLA v. Becerra exemplifies its commitment to upholding pro-life freedom.
The Supreme Court’s decision reinforced the principle that the government cannot compel pro-life groups to express messages conflicting with their beliefs, ensuring protection for organizations advocating the sanctity of life.
International Victories
Alliance Defending Freedom’s victories extend beyond the borders of the United States.
Alliance Defending Freedom International defends fundamental freedoms worldwide. The organization has secured precedent-setting victories at national law-making bodies, including a 2022 triumph at the European Court of Human Rights, where ADF International secured asylum for a Pakistani Christian facing persecution in his home country.
ADF International’s intervention, in this case, emphasized the alarming threats to religious minorities in Pakistan and around the world, showcasing the broader significance of its ongoing international advocacy efforts.
A Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
From landmark Supreme Court victories shaping the legal landscape in the United States to fighting for human rights around the world, Alliance Defending Freedom’s commitment to religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, marriage and family, and the sanctity of life remains resolute.
Alliance Defending Freedom CEO, President, and General Counsel Kristen Waggoner celebrated the milestone, saying, “For 30 years, ADF has been privileged to contend for truth and freedom in law, policy, and the public square and to help equip an alliance to do the same. By God’s grace, we stand today as the world’s largest legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, parental rights, and marriage and family.”
“Since 2011, ADF has served as counsel in 15 U.S. Supreme Court victories and dozens of victories in international tribunals. We remain relentlessly committed to advancing every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth,” she added.
As Alliance Defending Freedom continues its mission, the triumphs of the past 30 years reflect the importance of safeguarding the principles that underpin a just and free society.
