CV NEWS FEED // The Family Research Council (FRC) is backing newly introduced legislation that seeks to protect the ability of churches and religious nonprofits to speak freely on political matters.
The Free Speech Fairness Act was introduced this week by Rep. Mark Harris, R-N.C., and Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., FRC reported. It proposes a practical rollback of the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 provision in the federal tax code that restricts political speech by 501(c)(3) organizations, including houses of worship.
Under the proposed act, religious and nonprofit organizations could address political topics as part of their normal operations, provided that any associated expenses are minimal and no substantial additional funds are allocated for such communications.
Tony Perkins, president of FRC, offered a firm endorsement of the legislation, explaining that the Johnson Amendment has long served as a tool for silencing religious voices.
“Censorship of free speech should never occur,” he said.
He described the Johnson Amendment as a tool used to “intimidate pastors and censor the pulpit.”
FRC is a Washington-based organization that advocates for public policy rooted in biblical values, particularly in areas such as religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and the defense of traditional family structures.
Perkins praised Lankford and Harris for introducing the legislation, which had previously been supported by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and former Congressman Jody Hice, now the leader of FRC Action.
“As a pastor before coming to Washington, I was personally harassed by the IRS,” Hice recalled, describing threats made against his church’s tax-exempt status for preaching on topics important to his congregation.
He concluded, “Our Founding Fathers left us unalienable rights to be enjoyed – and defended.”
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