Final answer:
Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers emphasized the importance of free speech and free religion. The First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights protects these freedoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of free speech and free religion was written about by various individuals throughout history. However, one influential figure who emphasized the significance of these freedoms was Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He famously stated, "Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech." Furthermore, the Founding Fathers of the United States recognized the importance of these freedoms and enshrined them in the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights, which protects the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.