“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” – 1 Peter 2:16
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) just released a new poll revealing that America is currently in a concerning and ominous moment for free speech. The poll found that “a record number of Americans now believe that freedom of speech in the country is headed in the wrong direction.”
FIRE created the National Speech Index, which is a quarterly survey, to track free speech sentiments in America. The National Speech Index has been tracking Americans’ opinions on the state of free speech in America since January 2024.
The research now shows a record and eye-popping number of Americans believe that freedom of speech in our nation is regressing. The quarterly National Speech Index, released in October, revealed that 74% of Americans believe free speech is heading in the wrong direction, representing a 10-point leap from the July survey.
In the American political climate today, there is almost no agreement on anything between the political parties. However, on the issue of free speech regressing in America, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are all in agreement. Since July, the polling showed that Democrats who think that freedom of speech is heading in the right direction fell from 17% to 11%, Republicans fell from 69% to 55%, and Independents fell from 31% to 19%.
FIRE Research Fellow & Polling Manager Nathan Honeycutt stated, “In the last three months, America watched as Charlie Kirk was murdered for simply debating on a college campus, followed immediately by a wave of censorship of those who opposed his views… It’s no surprise that a record number of Americans of all parties now think that it’s a dire time for free speech in America.”
This survey reaffirms that America is in a serious position right now, as there is a segment of Americans who want to silence the free speech of others when they do not agree with their sentiments. Let us, as Christians, recommit to using our freedom of speech to speak the truth in Love without fear or hesitation because some may hate hearing it.
LET US PRAY…
Father, we praise You for our precious right to free speech here in the United States. Lord, empower us to always stand, fight, and advocate for our right to free speech. Lord, may our nation turn around and head back in the right direction and see a resurgence of defending freedom of speech. Father, help us to use our right to free speech to help our nation understand the power of the Gospel. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.