Liberty Institute Stands With The Family Research Council Against The Violent Assault On Defenders Of Religious Freedom

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to the shooting at the Family Research Council yesterday, Liberty Institute President Kelly Shackelford made the following statement:

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"In the wake of yesterday's overt act of hostility and violence toward the Family Research Council, our hearts are overwhelmed with sadness, concern and sympathy for the victim and his family and the entire ministry of the Family Research Council.   We at Liberty Institute stand firmly alongside Tony Perkins, the Family Research Council and its work to advance faith, family and freedom in our nation's capitol.

It has never been clearer that religious hostility is escalating in the U.S. to unforeseen levels. In my 23 years defending religious freedom as a constitutional lawyer, never have I witnessed such severe attacks. This attempt to intimidate people of faith from speaking up for their values makes the fight to restore and preserve religious freedom now more important than ever.

We encourage anti-religion groups to stop creating a climate of fear and hostility for people of faith by seeking to silence or limit religious speech. Their intimidation will not work. In America, all people have the freedom to stand up for the faith and values they believe in as guaranteed by the First Amendment."

Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal group dedicated to restoring and defending religious liberty across America – in our schools, for our churches, and throughout the public arena. Liberty Institute's vision is to reestablish liberty in accordance with the principles of our nation's founders. Visit www.LibertyInstitute.org for more information.

SOURCE Liberty Institute