A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced the “Free Speech Fairness Act,” a bill that aims to change current rules restricting political speech by churches and other nonprofit organizations. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC 8) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), with support from other members of Congress.
The proposed law would allow nonprofits, including religious organizations, to make political statements as part of their regular activities, provided any related spending is minimal.
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins expressed his support for the bill upon its introduction.
“For nearly two decades, Family Research Council and FRC Action have sought to repeal the Johnson Amendment, which has been used to intimidate pastors and censor the pulpit. Pastors should be free to speak from a biblical perspective on cultural issues and candidates–censorship of free speech should never occur. This is why I wholeheartedly support the Free Speech Fairness Act.
“I want to thank Congressman Mark Harris and Senator James Lankford for re-introducing this vital legislation–previously championed by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and former Congressman and current FRC Action President Jody Hice.”
Jody Hice, President of FRC Action and a former member of Congress who previously sponsored similar legislation, also commented on the bill’s importance.
“The First Amendment guarantees every American the right to free speech and free practice of religion. It is the very bedrock of our republic; the federal government has no authority to infringe upon those rights simply because one has entered a house of worship. For decades, however, an unconstitutional provision in the U.S. Tax Code called the Johnson Amendment has silenced religious leaders from speaking openly from the pulpit.
“As a pastor before coming to Washington, I was personally harassed by the IRS. My church’s tax-exempt status was threatened because I dared to preach openly on political issues important to my congregation. Our Founding Fathers left us unalienable rights to be enjoyed — and defended,” Hice concluded.
