Standing Up for the First Freedom
In Wisconsin today, religious liberty is under attack. Even after the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that our state violated the Constitution by discriminating against Catholic Charities, political officials in Madison attacked to find new ways to punish all people of faith. This is just the tip of an iceberg of anti-religious efforts that undermine our founding principles.
We are a nation that respects all religions—it was one of the reasons America was created. President Ronald Reagan explained that “[t]he First Amendment was written not to protect the people and their laws from religious values, but to protect those values from government tyranny.”
Judge Maria Lazar believes that when government targets faith-based organizations simply because they live out their beliefs, it strikes at the heart of the First Amendment. The Constitution does not allow politicians to pick winners and losers in matters of religion. It guarantees every person and every organization the right to live and serve according to their convictions — without fear of government retaliation. When this right falters our state suffers.
The Stakes Are Clear
Judge Lazar has always and will always stand firm against any form of discrimination, including against religious groups. She knows the Constitution doesn’t bend to political agendas, and the government may not constitutionally use its power to silence or penalize people of faith. That applies to Catholic Charities, to the Little Sisters of the Poor, to school teachers, to football coaches, to practitioners and believers of every faith and creed. Our courts are to respect, not denigrate, religions and all Wisconsinites’ freedom to celebrate as they believe.
Equal Justice Under the Law — For People of Faith, Too
Religious freedom isn’t a privilege granted by the government — it’s a right guaranteed by God and protected by our Constitution. Judge Maria Lazar will defend that right in every case that comes before her. No exceptions. No apologies.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court should never be a political weapon. Politicians should never serve on the bench, nor should judges legislate from that Court. It should be the last line of defense for freedom — including the freedom to believe, to worship, and to serve others without government interference.
Judge Maria Lazar will always defend religious liberty — because without it, every other freedom falls.