Barring libel, defamation, or fighting words, all Americans are free to speak their conscience. Unless, of course, you’re a pastor.
The 1954 Johnson Amendment strictly prohibits religious organizations, who enjoy tax-exempt status from, participating in “any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.” As a result, holy speech uttered in the halls of churches and synagogues must be apolitical.
Yielding to temptation and advising a congregation on a political matter could earn a pastor, rabbi, or priest an unwelcome visit from the IRS. “Pretty nice house of worship you’ve got here,” the tax agency has said for decades. “It would be a shame if something were to happen to it.”
Holy speech could soon be liberated though and from an unlikely Moses, President Donald J. Trump. On stage at the National Day of Prayer and citing Thomas Jefferson, the new president promised to un-muzzle men of God.
“Among those freedoms is the right to worship according to our own beliefs,” Trump said, referencing Jefferson. “That is why I will get rid of, and totally destroy, the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution. I will do that. Remember.”
While some may doubt the new president’s convictions, the nation is quickly learning that Trump keeps his end of the deal. On the campaign trail, he distracted evangelicals from his checkered past with promises of new safeguard of religious liberty. And now that Trump’s in office, the Religious Right is about to cash in a chip.
To clear a way, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., plan to shepherd the Free Speech Fairness Act through Congress. The legislation aims to delete the Johnson Amendment from the tax code. And should Trump sign it, he’d restore conscience rights and God in politics.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
