Statement by Senator Jason Rapert regarding ruling by Judge Kristine Baker

Senate Information Office: 501-682-5954

 

"CONWAY, Ark. – Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert (R-Conway) today issued the following statement regarding a recent favorable federal court ruling in the matter of an out-of-state group seeking personal monetary damages from Rapert as a way to quell religious liberty:

 

“The recent ruling by Judge Kristine Baker dismissing the effort by the American Atheists to seek monetary damages from me shows that atheists and others who seek to attack Christian lawmakers’ livelihoods as a way to silence us and stop us from witnessing the Truth will not work.  My religious liberty did not go away when I took my oaths to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Arkansas—both of which have specific protections for the exercise of religion.”

 

On December 15, Judge Kristine Baker granted Rapert qualified immunity and dismissed efforts by American Atheists, Inc. and others to collect monetary damages from him personally.

 

“When you consider how we see, on a daily basis, social media platforms squelch conservative speech with impunity, what is good for the goose is good for the gander.  I have never blocked someone from posting on my social media because of their faith or lack of faith - I block people if they break my rules of of conduct on my own platform. Neither me nor any other citizen should be forced to let people cuss at them and threaten them on their own social media pages. As such, we look forward to positive results on the remaining aspects of the case.”

 

Sen. Jason Rapert represents Arkansas Senate District 35. He was first elected to the Arkansas Senate in 2010, is an announced candidate for Arkansas Lieutenant Governor in 2022, and is founder & president of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers www.christianlawmakers.com"