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IRS says churches can now endorse political candidates

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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Monday announced in a court filing that churches and houses of worship can endorse political candidates to their congregations without losing their tax-exempt status, marking a significant shift in enforcement of the Johnson Amendment.

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Washington Examiner

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Monday announced in a court filing that churches and houses of worship can endorse political candidates to their congregations without losing their tax-exempt status, marking a significant shift in enforcement of the Johnson Amendment.

This decision came as part of a legal settlement with two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters Association, who sued the IRS, arguing that the Johnson Amendment violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise.

Daily Wire

This decision came as part of a legal settlement with two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters Association, who sued the IRS, arguing that the Johnson Amendment violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise.

The Johnson Amendment, introduced by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954, prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates, with violations potentially resulting in loss of tax-exempt status.

New York Times

The Johnson Amendment, introduced by then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954, prohibits tax-exempt organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates, with violations potentially resulting in loss of tax-exempt status.

In the court filing, the IRS compared church endorsements of candidates to "a family discussion" and stated that communications from houses of worship to congregations during religious services do not violate the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.

The Hill

In the court filing, the IRS compared church endorsements of candidates to "a family discussion" and stated that communications from houses of worship to congregations during religious services do not violate the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.

The IRS acknowledged it has rarely enforced the Johnson Amendment against churches for political speech, with a 2022 investigation finding at least 18 churches endorsed candidates without penalty from the agency.

The IRS acknowledged it has rarely enforced the Johnson Amendment against churches for political speech, with a 2022 investigation finding at least 18 churches endorsed candidates without penalty from the agency.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for eliminating the Johnson Amendment entirely, stating in 2017 he would "totally destroy" the rule to allow religious representatives to "speak freely and without fear of retribution".

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for eliminating the Johnson Amendment entirely, stating in 2017 he would "totally destroy" the rule to allow religious representatives to "speak freely and without fear of retribution".

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The decision came as part of a legal settlement with two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters Association, who sued the IRS arguing the Johnson Amendment violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise.</span

Daily Wire #

CBS #2394

The decision came as part of a legal settlement with two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters Association, who sued the IRS arguing the Johnson Amendment violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise.

The Johnson Amendment, introduced by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954, prohibits tax-exempt organizations including churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates, with violations potentially resulting in loss of tax-exempt status.</span

New York Times #

CNN #

The Johnson Amendment, introduced by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954, prohibits tax-exempt organizations including churches from endorsing or opposing political candidates, with violations potentially resulting in loss of tax-exempt status.

In the court filing, the IRS compared church endorsements of candidates to "family discussions" and stated that communications from houses of worship to congregations during religious services do not violate the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.</span

The Hill #

NPR Online News #

In the court filing, the IRS compared church endorsements of candidates to "family discussions" and stated that communications from houses of worship to congregations during religious services do not violate the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.

The IRS acknowledged it has rarely enforced the Johnson Amendment against churches for political speech, with a 2022 investigation finding at least 18 churches endorsed candidates without penalty from the agency.</span

CatholicVote org

National Review #

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for eliminating the Johnson Amendment entirely, stating in 2017 he would "get rid of and totally destroy" the rule to allow religious representatives to "speak freely and without fear of retribution".</span

Washington Examiner #

CNN #2214

President Donald Trump has repeatedly called for eliminating the Johnson Amendment entirely, stating in 2017 he would "get rid of and totally destroy" the rule to allow religious representatives to "speak freely and without fear of retribution".

This move radically alters campaign finance laws under the guise of religious freedom, potentially opening floodgates for political operatives to funnel money through tax-exempt religious organizations while receiving generous tax breaks. The decision could transform churches into political tools and undermine the bedrock principle that tax-exempt groups cannot be used as campaign instruments.

This move radically alters campaign finance laws under the guise of religious freedom, potentially opening floodgates for political operatives to funnel money through tax-exempt religious organizations while receiving generous tax breaks. The decision could transform churches into political tools and undermine the bedrock principle that tax-exempt groups cannot be used as campaign instruments.

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IRS Allows Churches to Endorse Political Candidates

Religion

Politics

Church-state relations

Freedom of speech & expression

Finally the fundamental First Amendment rights of pastors and religious leaders are being protected after years of government overreach. Churches should never have been threatened with losing their tax-exempt status for exercising their constitutional right to speak on matters of faith and morality, including political candidates.

Finally the fundamental First Amendment rights of pastors and religious leaders are being protected after years of government overreach. Churches should never have been threatened with losing their tax-exempt status for exercising their constitutional right to speak on matters of faith and morality, including political candidates.

First Liberty

IRS Says Churches, Religious Organizatio

Campaign finance laws are being radically altered under the guise of religious freedom, potentially opening floodgates for political operatives to funnel money through tax-exempt religious organizations while receiving generous tax breaks. This decision could transform churches and other tax-exempt groups into political tools.

Campaign finance laws are being radically altered under the guise of religious freedom, potentially opening floodgates for political operatives to funnel money through tax-exempt religious organizations while receiving generous tax breaks. This decision could transform churches and other tax-exempt groups into political tools.

Allison Robbert/The Washington Post via Getty Images

IRS Will Allow Church Endorsements of Political Candidates

Allison Robbert/The Washington Post via Getty Images

IRS Will Allow Church Endorsements of Political Candidates

IRS Will Allow Church Endorsements of Political Candidates

IRS AllowsWill ChurchesAllow toChurch EndorseEndorsements of Political Candidates

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IRS Will Allow Church Endorsements of Political Candidates

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