The Founding Fathers knew a thing or two about freedom of speech. One, free speech is essential to a flourishing democracy. Two, it can only serve that vital role when speakers are free from retaliation. These lessons are crucial to preserving free speech – and the countless benefits it provides – in the technologically advanced world of the 21^st Century.

Many people assume that free speech is well-protected in America today. The First Amendment, revered as a cornerstone of American democracy, guarantees that “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech.” But history teaches us that speech is not free if speakers can be intimidated into silence. Unfortunately, existing laws and new proposals in states across the country unwittingly enable the harassment of anyone who speaks up on the most important issues of the day.