Close Menu

CVA Leads Coalition of Groups Opposing NM Anti-Free Speech Measure

By Concerned Veterans for America

Albuquerque, NM – Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) has joined a coalition of groups opposing Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s proposed measure that would severely limit free speech in the state. Today, the group released a coalition letter urging the Secretary to rethink her position and prevent citizens from being left open to harassment and intimidation. The proposed rule would force citizens to publicly list personal information in order to support a cause in New Mexico.

To view the full coalition letter, click here.

Concerned Veterans for America Policy Director Dan Caldwell issued the following statement:

“It is troubling to see the First Amendment come under attack through a rulemaking procedure that circumvents the legislative process. Publicizing the information of individuals for privately supporting a cause is a slippery slope toward further government intervention in our personal lives. If government officials and ordinary citizens are given the ability to target individuals based on the causes they support, rest assured they will. We are proud to stand beside every group who signed onto this coalition letter because protecting free speech is pivotal to maintaining a healthy democracy in New Mexico and across the nation.”

The letter has been signed by 29 individuals representing 14 different organizations who share a common goal of protecting free speech in New Mexico. Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is among the signers.

CVA recently launched a mail campaign urging New Mexicans to contact Secretary Oliver with a digital tool that allows them to call or email her office in opposition to this anti-free speech measure.

Governor Martinez vetoed S.B. 96, a similar anti-free speech measure that passed the legislature in April. CVA led a coalition of 11 different organizations and sent a letter to Governor Martinez asking her to reject the measure. The group also launched a targeted digital campaign, including a tool which allowed New Mexico constituents to contact Governor Martinez directly via email, Facebook, Twitter, and phone to warn her about the dangers of S.B. 96.

Earlier last year, CVA started “Defend the First,” a project dedicated to beating back threats against free speech at the state and federal level.

###