Family Research Council Endorses New Free Speech Fairness Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan coalition led by U.S. Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC 8) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the “Free Speech Fairness Act” today. The legislation aims to restore free speech and religious liberty for churches and nonprofits by permitting them to engage in political speech as long as such activities remain within their customary operations and related expenditures are minimal.

The bill, which seeks to overturn restrictions imposed by the controversial Johnson Amendment, has garnered strong support from conservative advocacy groups. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins issued a statement in which he declared, “For nearly two decades, Family Research Council and FRC Action have fought to repeal the Johnson Amendment, which has long intimidated pastors and censored the pulpit. Pastors should be free to speak on cultural and political issues from a biblical perspective without fear of censorship. I wholeheartedly support the Free Speech Fairness Act.”

Former Congressman and current FRC Action President Jody Hice, who previously sponsored similar legislation, added, “The First Amendment guarantees every American the right to free speech and free practice of religion. It is the very bedrock of our republic. As a former pastor, I experienced firsthand the harassment from the IRS and the threat to my church’s tax-exempt status when I spoke openly on political issues. Our Founding Fathers entrusted us with unalienable rights that must be fiercely defended.”

The proposed legislation is designed to ensure that religious organizations can express their views in the ordinary course of their activities without fear of punitive tax consequences, marking a significant push against decades of restrictions on political speech in religious settings.

About The Author

FFN Editor

See author's posts