02/02/2017

Trump Vows to ‘Destroy’ Johnson Amendment

The amendment prevents churches, charitable organizations from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign

President Donald Trump vowed earlier today to overturn a law restricting political speech by churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations, fulfilling a promise Trump made on the campaign trail.

“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,” Trump said today at National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.

The so-called Johnson Amendment is named for Lyndon Johnson who introduced it in the Senate in 1954. The measure prevents churches and charitable organizations from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate. Many conservatives and religious leaders have long supported repeal of the Johnson Amendment because they say it restricts free speech rights.

As the Johnson Amendment is part of the tax code, removing it requires congressional action.

This article was provided to OSAE by The Power of A.