OKC Standard

This week, U.S. lawmakers introduced the Free Speech Fairness Act in an effort to prevent the IRS from restricting the political speech of pastors, churches, and non-profit organizations. Led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Congressman Mark Harris (R-NC), 18 lawmakers are backing the bill, which targets the long-standing Johnson Amendment that impacts organizations' tax-exempt status.

Senator Lankford explained the motivation behind the bill: "The First Amendment protects Americans’ right to freedom of speech and religious freedom without the threat of interference from Congress. The Free Speech Fairness Act is needed to ensure these original free speech protections are upheld by removing a restriction on speech that has existed since 1954." Congressman Harris echoed this sentiment, stating, "People of faith should not fear exercising their First Amendment rights at the risk of the IRS coming after them."

Cosponsors of the legislation include high-profile Republican figures such as Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and others from across the country. The bill is supported by organizations like the Advancing American Freedom and the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Matt Sharp from the Alliance Defending Freedom stated, "Freedom of speech is for everyone, including churches and religious non-profits. ADF commends Representative Harris and Senator Lankford for introducing the Free Speech Fairness Act."

The bill finds support within religious and policy groups. Gary L. Bauer, President of American Values, emphasized, "Free speech and religious liberty are essential supports for all our freedoms, and the government has no right to limit either."

Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, added, "The Free Speech Fairness Act will prevent the IRS from targeting Americans for exercising their First Amendment rights."

The act is seen as a response to the Johnson Amendment, which some argue censors religious leaders' political engagement by threatening their tax-exempt status. Organizations supporting the legislation argue it restores constitutional rights to religious entities.

Jody Hice, President of Family Research Council Action, added, "For decades, an unconstitutional provision in the U.S. Tax Code called the Johnson Amendment has silenced religious leaders from speaking openly from the pulpit."

The James Dobson Family Institute also supports the act, with Gary Bauer, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, remarking on the need for its repeal.

Jeremy Dys from the First Liberty Institute commented, "The Free Speech Fairness Act goes a long way to restoring this nation’s commitment to protecting our houses of worship and the religious liberty of its leaders."