Story highlights A crowd of over 2,500 men, women and young children turned out for the three-plus hour event

Cruz spoke about his experience defending freedom of religion at the Supreme Court and what he said were the threats facing religious liberty.

Des Moines, Iowa (CNN) Ted Cruz took a page out of his pastor father's Bible on Friday night in Iowa.

At his "Rally for Religious Liberty," Cruz sought to appeal to evangelical Republican voters and frame himself as a fighter for religious rights.

A crowd of over 2,500 men, women and young children turned out for the three-plus hour event. Upon arrival at the venue, guests received Ted Cruz Pocket Constitutions, Cruz stickers, mini-American flags emblazoned with "Courageous Conservatives for Cruz," bracelets reading "Marriage = 1 man + 1 woman," and, for younger attendees, Ted Cruz coloring books.

Cards and pens were placed on the seat of every chair to sign up attendees to commit to caucus for Cruz, a vital step in campaign organizing here in Iowa.

Cruz spoke about his experience defending freedom of religion at the Supreme Court and what he said were the threats facing religious liberty.

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