Articles by David E. Smith
Federal Court Says Pro-Life Message is “Offensive”  
By David E. Smith   |   06.09.15
A federal appeals court has ruled that the State of New York may prohibit the issuance of “Choose Life” license plates. A three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals decided that plates with the message “Choose Life” could...
Rights of Conscience, Springfield Update
By David E. Smith   |   06.01.15
The Illinois General Assembly adjourned yesterday afternoon, ending their regularly scheduled spring session.  They did so, however, without finalizing a state budget or addressing the looming pension crisis.  That means our lawmakers will be going back to Springfield for an...
Illinois Senate Passes HB 217 — Heads to Gov. Rauner’s Office
By David E. Smith   |   05.30.15
Yesterday afternoon, the Illinois Senate voted 34-19-1 to pass HB 217, a bill that will censor professional therapits who want to help children who suffer from unwanted same-sex attraction disorder. Republican State Senators Christine Radogno (Lemont) and Chris Nybo (Hinsdale) voted with the majority of Democrats to pass this tyrannical legislation. Five state senators did not vote, while State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) voted present -- which is as good as a "no" vote.
Human Trafficking Bill Wins Final Passage
By David E. Smith   |   05.22.15
The U.S. Congress has given final approval to a comprehensive bill that would strengthen federal laws banning the sexual trafficking of women and children. The bill, known as the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178), was adopted by...
Illinois House Approves Freedom Quashing Reparative Therapy Ban
By David E. Smith   |   05.20.15
How did they vote? Yesterday afternoon in an appalling disregard for children’s mental health, parental rights and religious liberty, the Illinois House voted 68 to 43 to pass HB 217, a bill to ban reparative therapy for children who suffer...
U.S. House Votes to Ban Late Term Abortions
By David E. Smith   |   05.14.15
As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 242-184 yesterday to pass a bill to to extend federal protections for preborn children who are 20 weeks fetal age or more, and who are capable of experiencing excruciating pain. The bill is called the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 36), and it’s chief sponsor is U.S. Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ).
Pro-Life Action Alert Bulletin Inserts
By David E. Smith   |   05.06.15
As you know, pro-abortion forces are working overtime in Springfield trying to pass troubling legislation to expand abortion services in Illinois.  Their goal is to get these anti-life proposals passed in the Illinois House this month.  Our goal is to...
Rights of Conscience Update
By David E. Smith   |   04.22.15
How did they vote? This afternoon, the Illinois Senate voted 34 to 19 to pass SB 1564 — the onerous re-write of the Healthcare Right of Conscience Act.  This bill broadly defines “health care,” “health care personnel,” and “health care...
Rights of Conscience Still at Risk in SB 1564
By David E. Smith   |   04.17.15
Earlier this year, State Senator Daniel Biss (D-Skokie) introduced SB 1564 to radically alter the Illinois Healthcare Right of Conscience Act -- an Act that allows medical personnel & health care facilities to avoid participating in morally dubious medical procedures such as abortion, sterilization & certain end-of-life care.
Library Internet Filter Bill
By David E. Smith   |   03.05.15
State Representative Peter Breen (R-Lombard) recently introduced HB 2689, also known as the Internet Screening in Public Libraries Act. This common sense legislation would help protect children and families from obscene and illegal material on the Internet and prevent public...
Ultrasound Opportunity Act in Springfield
By David E. Smith   |   03.03.15
IFI is working with other Illinois pro-life groups in advocating for an important pro-life bill sponsored by State Representative Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake).  If passed, HB 2701 would require abortion providers to simply offer an ultrasound picture to women considering...
Ex-Homosexual Warns Against Banning Conversion Therapy [VIDEO]
By David E. Smith   |   02.24.15
Stephen Black of the Restored Hope Network changed his sexual orientation as a young man and believes others should have the right to do the same.
Recreational Marijuana Bills in Springfield
By David E. Smith   |   02.19.15
Even though the so-called “Medical” Cannabis Pilot Program has yet to begin, State Senator Michael Noland (D-Elgin) has introduced legislation (SB 753) which would legalize the possession of 30 grams of marijuana and 5 plants for anyone over 21 years...
Gambling Expansion: Not the Solution
By David E. Smith   |   02.17.15
In 1974, the Illinois Lottery was established with the goal of funding K-12 public education.  In 1990, the Riverboat Gambling Act legalized ten casino licenses throughout the state. In 2009, another massive gambling expansion was passed, allowing video slot machines...
SpeakOut Illinois 2015
By David E. Smith   |   01.16.15
Join the IFI Team and many other great pro-life advocates at the annual SpeakOut Illinois Conference. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, January 31st at Crowne Plaza O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont. The theme this year is “LIFE: Worth...
David E. Smith
Executive Director
David  E. Smith

Dave Smith is the executive director of Illinois Family Institute (501c3) and Illinois Family Action (501c4).

Follow Dave on X: @ProFamilyIL

David has almost 35 years of experience in public policy and grass-roots activism that includes countless interviews for numerous radio, television, cable programs and newspaper articles on topics such as the sanctity of life, natural marriage, broadcast decency, sex education, marijuana, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, tax policy, drug decriminalization and pornography.

He and his wife of 31 years are blessed with eight children, many of whom they homeschool. They believe their first God-given responsibility is to disciple their children—cultivating a love for God through faithful teaching and obedient living. Research consistently affirms that parents, ideally a mother and father, are the primary influencers in a child’s life. True discipleship involves sound doctrine, love for God and others, and a life lived in faithful obedience, all with the aim of raising healthy, productive individuals who honor God and love their neighbors.

Dave has also served as a precinct committeeman and served as an elder in his local church.

Follow David E. Smith
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