Faith and religious freedom are not just traditions in Alabama, they are foundational principles that shape our communities, guide our values, and define who we are as a people. Dr. Stewart Tankersley believes the right to practice one’s faith freely is one of the most fundamental liberties protected by the Constitution, and it must be defended without hesitation.
For Dr. Tankersley, this belief is deeply personal. His faith has guided his life, his work as a physician, his service in uniform, and his commitment to helping others.
It has shaped how he approaches challenges, how he serves his community, and how he understands responsibility. He believes faith is not something to be set aside, it is something that strengthens families, builds character, and anchors communities.
Across Alabama, churches and faith-based organizations are often the first to step forward in times of need. They provide spiritual guidance, support families in crisis, care for the vulnerable, and serve as a foundation for community life. These institutions do more than preach values, they live them out every day through service, compassion, and leadership.
Dr. Tankersley believes government should protect that role, not interfere with it. No individual, church, or faith-based organization should be forced to choose between following their convictions and complying with government mandates. Public policy must respect the rights of citizens to live out their beliefs openly and without fear of penalty or discrimination.
He also believes recent years have shown how quickly those freedoms can come under pressure. Whether through regulatory overreach, restrictions on gathering, or policies that fail to respect conscience rights, there have been clear examples of why vigilance is necessary. Protecting religious freedom requires more than words, it requires leadership willing to stand firm when those rights are challenged.
As Lieutenant Governor and presiding officer of the Alabama Senate, Dr. Tankersley will work with lawmakers to ensure state laws continue to protect the free exercise of religion, safeguard conscience rights, and prevent government overreach. He will support policies that allow individuals and organizations to serve their communities while remaining true to their beliefs.
Dr. Tankersley believes that protecting religious freedom is essential to preserving the character of Alabama and the strength of its communities. When people are free to live out their faith, families are stronger, communities are more resilient, and the state is better positioned for the future.
This is not just a legal principle, it is a matter of conviction. And it is a commitment Dr. Tankersley will carry with him into office.