Lawmakers Move to Improve Free Speech for Pastors

WASHINGTON – In an effort to restore political speech to America’s pulpits, lawmakers have introduced the Free Speech Fairness Act.

The legislation was given the spotlight at a news conference Wednesday on Capitol Hill. Among those in attendance were House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Representative Jody Hice, Sen. James Lankford, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Christina Holcomb and several pastors.  

The Free Speech Fairness Act would restrict the enforcement of the Johnson Amendment against churches and other non-profits.

The Johnson Amendment was created in 1954 by then Senator Lyndon B. Johnson. It limits the free speech of pastors, essentially threatening to take away a church or non-profits tax-exempt status for endorsing or opposing a political candidate.

CBN News is following this developing story and will have more in-depth coverage Thursday.