Julianne Davis | 09.27.26 1819 News
BIRMINGHAM — Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon delivered the keynote address, focusing on the company’s pillars of free speech and faith, at the Alabama Policy Institute’s (API) annual dinner on Thursday night in Birmingham.
Dillon opened by honoring last year’s speaker, Tim Tebow and shared his favorite Babylon Bee headline he wrote early on at the company: “Tim Tebow Suspended for Using Performance-Enhancing Bible Verses.”
He added, “He shared that.”
He then described the challenges Babylon Bee has faced with censorship, largely from Twitter and fact-checking sources.
After being suspended for a controversial post that Twitter deemed “hateful conduct,” Elon Musk reached out to get answers about Babylon Bee’s suspension.
Musk said, “You guys have integrity, maybe I just need to buy Twitter.”
After he bought Twitter, Musk created an opportunity for Babylon Bee to exercise free speech.
Dillon concluded the address by stressing the need for satire to ridicule bad ideas so they are not taken seriously, and the importance of protecting free speech.
Following the keynote, API president and CEO Stephanie Smith presented Melea Stephens, a National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) board member, with the API Warrior Award.
Since 2019, API has awarded one individual each year who has stood up for conservative values on policy issues in public and in private.
Stephens thanked everyone who supported her, emphasizing that her policy initiatives are “by no means a solo effort.” She explained that her motivation comes from her faith and from protecting children who cannot defend themselves.
The dinner concluded with 10 state senators and 10 state representatives being awarded the 2026 Legislative Champions award.
State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa)
State Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison)
State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville)
State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston
State Sen. Wes Kitchens (R-Arab)
State Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook)
State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur)
State Sen. Larry Stutts (R-Tuscumbia)
State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield)
State Sen. Matt Woods (R-Jasper)
State Rep. Jim Carnes (R-Vestavia Hills)
State Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Albertville)
State Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff)
State Rep. Ben Harrison (R-Elkmont)
State Rep. Matthew Hammett (R-Andalusia)
State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Alabaster)
State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs)
State Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle)
State Rep. Kerry Underwood (R-Tuscumbia)
State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity)
