Christians at Risk of Deplatforming as Corporations Crack Down on Free Speech
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and religion for every individual. It is a fundamental right that has been protected for centuries and is at the core of American values.
However, according to a recent study conducted by the Alliance Defending Freedom, many major American companies lack protections for free speech and religion.
The ADF released its annual Viewpoint Diversity Score Business Index, which gives a rating to 75 publicly traded companies on a 0 to 100 scale rating based on 42 indicators that measure their respect for free speech and religious freedom based on policies, practices and other relevant criteria.
Of the 75 companies surveyed, only two scored above a 25 when it came to their protection of free speech and religious freedom.
The ADF says that “millions of everyday Americans are at risk of cancelation or punishment for their views.”
Unfortunately, many companies seem to be more concerned with political correctness and avoiding controversy than protecting their employees’ rights. This is a dangerous path to take, as it undermines the very foundation of free speech and religious liberty.
It is important to note that protecting free speech and religion is not only a matter of principle but also a matter of practicality. When employees feel free to express their beliefs and opinions, they are more likely to be engaged and productive in their work.
Conversely, when employees are forced to suppress their beliefs, they may become disengaged and resentful, leading to decreased productivity and morale.
Corporations like Airbnb (2%), Amazon (4%), Alphabet (Google) (4%), eBay (5%), Microsoft (5%) and Disney (5%) sit at the bottom of the list when it comes to protecting and respecting employees’ First Amendment rights.
Meanwhile, the top two scorers, Fidelity National Information Services (50%) and M&T Bank (25%), show how little value major corporations in America place on free speech.
“Threats to freedom don’t just come from the government, but from major corporations like financial institutions and big tech companies that have concentrated power over essential services and communication channels,” said ADF Senior Counsel and Senior Vice President for Corporate Engagement Jeremy Tedesco in a statement. “Too often, these corporations de-bank or de-platform Americans, citing policies that give them unbounded discretion to censor people for their views.”
“All Americans benefit when powerful corporations respect free speech and religious freedom,” he added. “Our goal is to help the largest corporations implement positive and lasting changes that protect everyone’s free speech and religious freedom from corporate overreach. Each survey completed, resolution filed and conversation with senior leadership advances the ball.”
As more corporations adopt environmental, social and governance scores, along with diversity, equity and inclusion ratings, free speech and religious freedom get trampled underfoot of political correctness and false narratives.
There are those, such as the 501(c)4 nonprofit, the National Committee for Religious Freedom, that have already been on the receiving end of having a major bank, in its case, Chase, unceremoniously shut down their accounts with no warning or explanation.
If history is an accurate indicator, there will be many more cases of accounts being closed for an individual or organization that does not dance to the tune of the radical Left. {eoa}
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
