Thank you, for this tremendous honor. I’m humbled to accept the Albert Patterson Award of Courage on behalf of Alabama Eagle Forum an organization that has never been afraid to speak truth even when it was unpopular.

Years before most people had even heard the word “transgender,” Eagle Forum was warning about this dangerous trend and how it would harm children and families. Our national conferences featured experts sounding the alarm long before the media took notice, years before COVID, and way before this issue was headline news.

So, when we brought the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act to the Alabama Legislature in 2020, it wasn’t a political move it was a moral one. We were fighting to protect kids from irreversible harm. And today, Alabama is recognized nationwide for leading that fight!

I want to give special praise to our president, Eunie Smith. When the United States Department of Justice issued its sweeping subpoena seeking our internal documents and fundraising communications in connection with VCAP and demanding years of our grassroots advocacy, some urged us to quietly comply, to avoid confrontation.

But Eunie said “no.” She recognized the subpoena was not about law-enforcement, but intimidation. She recognized that citizen-advocacy and peaceful participation in the legislative process are constitutional rights, not privileges to be bullied away. Under her leadership we challenged the subpoena and we won!

This award is a blessing, and it belongs to all the courageous women and men of Eagle Forum who keep showing up, year after year, to defend faith, family, and freedom in Alabama. I’m deeply proud to stand with them and with all of you who continue to speak truth with love and conviction.

Thank you and may God bless our work ahead.