Cruz, Ogles Introduce Bill to Protect Free Speech in Federal Agencies

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) have introduced the Safeguarding Free Speech Act.

According to Sen. Cruz’s press release, the legislation would prohibit federal agencies from “forcing an employee or contractor to use personal pronouns that contradict with an individual’s biological sex.”

This bill comes in response to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) change in guidelines. It is known as the “Gender Identity Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Policy for Employees and Applicants.”

Sen. Cruz believes that this change in policy would “compel speech” in federal agencies.

“I am proud to join Rep. Andy Ogles in introducing the Safeguarding Honest Speech Act. Forcing anyone to use pronouns that don’t accord with a person’s biological sex is an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment,” said Cruz. “As the Supreme Court held, ‘If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion.’ The government has no business compelling anyone to use pronouns that contradict biological reality.”

Rep. Ogles mentioned that “the radical Left is actively coercing the speech of individuals.”

“Can you imagine getting reprimanded or fired from your job for not using an individual’s ‘preferred pronouns’?” said Rep. Ogles.” Unfortunately, that is exactly what the Biden regime has imposed in its latest guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services. The radical Left is actively coercing the speech of individuals – all in service of a delusional woke agenda.”

The Tennessee congressman concluded, “The American people shouldn’t be asked by their government to subsidize violations of the Constitution of the United States. I’m grateful for Senator Cruz’s efforts to lead the fight in the Senate, and look forward to considering this legislation in the 118th Congress.”

Moreover, the legislators believe that HHS’ policy would violate the First Amendment and even the Free Exercise Clause if the policy forced individuals to publicly deny their faith in order to comply.

Cruz and Ogles’ bill would protect government employees and contractors from having to comply with other individuals’ preferred pronouns.