From Americans United for Separation of Church and State (http://www.au.org):
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee debated a bill that could cripple the IRS’s ability to enforce the Johnson Amendment, a provision in the tax code that prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including houses of worship, from endorsing or opposing candidates.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), along with Rep. Barbara Lee (D. Calif.), offered an amendment to strip the section of the bill that would weaken the Johnson Amendment.
Thanks to our many supporters, Americans United for Separation of Church and State is a major player in the effort to remove the dangerous language in this bill. You can watch the debate, read the coalition letter we signed along with 107 other organizations in support of the amendment, and see the vote tally here.
The good news is that the amendment received bipartisan support from members of the committee, and seven members of the committee stood and spoke passionately in favor of it. The bad news is that the amendment failed 24-28, and the language remains in the bill.
Now we need you to take action, because the fight isn’t over. This dangerous provision next moves to the House floor. If you haven’t already emailed your representative, please do so today at http://p2a.co/G8XZ7Le!
The Johnson Amendment, which has been part of the tax code for six decades, protects the right of houses of worship and other tax-exempt organizations to speak out about political and social issues, while at the same time ensuring they are not pressured by political candidates and campaigns to take a side in divisive partisan elections. It is widely supported by religious and denominational organizations, faith leaders, and other non-profits, as well as the vast majority of Americans. Learn more about the Johnson Amendment and the protections it affords.
And please join us in the fight by contacting your legislators today to remind them that churches should not be used as partisan tools!
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