SC Freedom Caucus Wins Free Speech Lawsuit

Protects First Amendment Rights in South Carolina

The South Carolina Freedom Caucus has scored a major court victory for First Amendment rights. 

Up to now, SCFC members have been prohibited by state law from operating as a full-fledged Caucus. As a group, we could not engage in political activities, like endorsing candidates or raising money to help promote the conservative movement.

At the same time, the SC House GOP Caucus, whose leadership expelled Freedom Caucus members for refusing to sign a loyalty pledge, has always been allowed to raise and spend unlimited money, as well as endorse their preferred candidates, and attack their conservative opponents. This is a clear example of viewpoint discrimination. The establishment was allowed to support their friends but those who didn’t play the game were boxed out.

This spring, the members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus sued the SC House Ethics Committee, arguing that this prohibition on political speech violates the 1st Amendment and the 14th Amendment. On Tuesday June 13th, a federal judge ordered that the Freedom Caucus, and other similar Caucuses, must be provided all the same rights enjoyed by the four establishment-favored groups: the House GOP, House Democrat, Black, and Women’s Caucuses. 

This decision by the courts is a huge win for First Amendment rights in South Carolina. It restores free speech not only for the SC Freedom Caucus but for any other group of elected legislators regardless of their standing with career politicians or lobbyists. SCFC is thankful to America First Legal and to our attorney Christopher Mills in particular, a former clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, for representing us in this case and for being bold enough to stand against the SC establishment. The stranglehold the good ol’ boys have exercised for decades over our state is slipping away - and we are just getting started. 

Now, we need your help. Please consider making a generous contribution to the SC Freedom Caucus!

We may not be able to match the massive corporate funding that the House GOP Caucus and other incumbent-protection groups have been able to access for years. But with your support, at least we can now compete on a level playing field. Please take this opportunity to invest in the conservative vision for South Carolina.

We have a chance for real change to implement the Republican Party platform and defend American freedom. The future of our state truly depends on you.

Please mail your check to SC Freedom Caucus, P.O. Box 12811, Columbia, SC 29201.

Thank you so much for your support!

Members of the SC Freedom Caucus meet with attorney Christopher Mills (center) following oral arguments in their free speech case in federal court.