Articles by David E. Smith
Celebrating Liberty
By David E. Smith   |   07.04.14
Today, the United States of America celebrates the 238th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Americans across the nation (and across the world) will gather to celebrate America’s courageous decision to throw off tyranny and separate from an oppressive ruler and government.
SCOTUS Affirms First Amendment Freedoms!
By David E. Smith   |   06.30.14
This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) handed down a highly anticipated ruling that affirmed First Amendment  protections of religious liberty and freedom of conscience.  In this particular ruling it means that our government does not have...
Hobby Lobby Victory Rally TODAY at NOON at Federal Plaza
By David E. Smith   |   06.30.14
This morning, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) handed down a highly anticipated ruling that affirmed First Amendment  protections of religious liberty and freedom of conscience.  In this particular ruling it means that our government does not have...
Fox News Host Says She Expresses Values Through Work
By David E. Smith   |   06.20.14
Fox News Channel host, Gretchen Carlson, is praising the work environment at the network that she says allows her to express her values. She made her comments at a faith-based entertainment summit in Beverly Hills, California. At the recent “Purpose:...
Miss USA Contestant Conceived  in Rape
By David E. Smith   |   05.30.14
The Miss USA pageant will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on June 8th, and one of the contestants will be a woman who was conceived as a result of forcible rape.  Miss Valerie Gatto was crowned Miss Pennsylvania 2014...
Illinois Senate Passes Another Bullying Bill
By David E. Smith   |   05.23.14
How did they vote? This morning, the Illinois Senate voted 37 to 18 to pass HB 5707, a completely unnecessary proposal sponsored by State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago).  This legislation constitutes nothing more than...
Illinois Senate Passes the ERA
By David E. Smith   |   05.22.14
How did they vote? This afternoon, the Illinois Senate voted 39 to 11 with 6 voting present to pass SJRCA 75, a completely unnecessary proposal  to amend the U.S. Constitution to eradicate sex as a legitimate characteristic on which to...
ERA is Back — AGAIN!
By David E. Smith   |   05.15.14
The ERA claims to be a simple amendment that gives equal rights to women. In reality, the ERA will actually harm women, their families, and our society. The major problem with the ERA is its wording. It simply states "Equality of rights under law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex." In essence, women are not being guaranteed equal rights; rather gender is being removed as a legal characteristic on which to base distinctions.
Dr. Voddie Baucham and the Separation of Church and State
By David E. Smith   |   05.14.14
Dr. Voddie Baucham,  pastor of preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, discusses the often misunderstood idea of the separation of church and state with our good friends at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).   The concept of the “wall...
STOP Chicago’s Push for World’s Largest Casino
By David E. Smith   |   05.07.14
Please take a few minutes today to act on this important issue! With 3.5 weeks to go before the Illinois General Assembly adjourns for the summer, state lawmakers are considering hundreds of bills.  Among the issues up for debate is...
SCOTUS Affirms Religious Freedom of Prayer
By David E. Smith   |   05.05.14
In 2008, Americans United for Separation of Church and State sued the town of Greece on behalf of local residents Susan Galloway and Linda Stephens, who claim that continued Christian prayer at the opening of town meetings is unconstitutional. Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys representing the town argue that the practice of deliberative bodies to invoke divine guidance and blessings upon their work has always been constitutional.
By David E. Smith   |   04.14.14
Bloomberg’s Brian Miller reports on the U.S. gambling industry on Bloomberg Television’s “Market Makers.” (Source: Bloomberg) Lawmakers who continue to advocate to expand gambling fail to understand that it is an unstable source of revenue. Revenue is down at casinos...
Illinois House Passes Another Bullying Bill
By David E. Smith   |   04.10.14
How did they vote? This afternoon, the Illinois House voted 64 to 43 to pass HB 5707, a completely unnecessary proposal by State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), constituting nothing more than a reiteration of the Bullying Prevention Task Force recommendations...
SCOTUS Quashes Case Defending Freedom of Conscience
By David E. Smith   |   04.08.14
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has dealt a severe blow to religious freedom and freedom of speech in a highly publicized case involving a New Mexico photographer.  The High Court has refused to hear the appeal of...
UPDATE:  POLST Bill Passes in Illinois Senate
By David E. Smith   |   04.03.14
How did they vote? Earlier this afternoon, the Illinois Senate voted 34-18 with one voting present to pass SB 3076, a bill to amend the Illinois Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code to...
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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