A coalition of Republican leaders and attorneys are pushing a measure that would restrict the enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, a law from the 50's, they believe was manipulated to violate pastors' free speech and freedom of religion.
 
"Today, the IRS can use the Johnson Amendment to tell pastors what they can and cannot preach. This law aims to censor your sermon if the IRS labels it 'political,'" Alliance Defending Freedom said in a statement. 
 
That is why congressmen Steve Scalise, R-LA, and Jody Hice, R-GA, introduced the Free Speech Fairness Act in the House Wednesday. The bill would prevent the IRS from using the Johnson Amendment to censor churches. 
 
"It's time that we eliminate the targeting of the IRS. Enough is enough and this has been going on for far too long. And this is absolutely unconscionable that our government would force individuals to choose between their constitutionally protected rights or their faith," Rep. Jody Hice said. 
 
ADF Senior Counsel Erik Stanley says that although the Johnson Amendment "was never intended to affect churches," it has still been used to "intimidate" pastors into censoring what they say from the pulpit. 

"No tax exemption can be based on a requirement that a church or any other non-profit organization give up a constitutionally protected freedom, including free speech," he added. "Americans don't need the IRS to be the referee."
 
Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council is also a strong supporter of the bill. He says politicians and government should stop getting in the way of many pastors' constitutional rights.
 
"Government bureaucrats should not be the bouncers to the doorway of freedom of speech and freedom of religion."

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

'I've Never Seen Anything Like This': Tennessee Church Sees 1,000 Baptisms in Less Than Four Months

Pray: Shooting at FedEx Facility Leaves 8 Dead, 'Multiple' Injured

Billy Graham Chaplains Help Minneapolis Suburb Process Pain [Photos]

Pelosi Says 'No' to Court Packing Bill Pushed by Democrats

Former Vice President Mike Pence Recovering after Receiving a Pacemaker

Amazon Reverses Ban on Book Helping Parents Rescue Kids from Transgenderism after Pushback

Prophetic Dream Led to an Ark-like Building for The Village Church and an Amazing Answer to Prayer

Wow! More Than One Million People Have Responded Since Ministry's Live-Streamed Good Friday Service [Watch]

'The Birthing of a Miracle: Revival Is Coming to China!'-A Testimony and Prophetic Word

Congressional Democrats to Announce New Bill to Add Four Justices and Pack the Supreme Court for the Left

She Wrote a Report About Discrimination against Religious Workers, Then Biden Fired Her

10,000+ Deaths after COVID Shots Reported by US, European Agencies

FDA to Allow Abortion Pill Distribution by Mail during COVID-19 Pandemic

'Abortion Is Murder': Meghan McCain's Strong, Pro-Life Response to Planned Parenthood

Brazil's New Statue of Jesus will Surpass Height of Rio's Christ the Redeemer

Pro-Life Victory for Preborn Babies with Down Syndrome in Ohio; Court Upholds Law Banning Abortions

Dismantling Some Abortion Lies, Half-Truths, and Propaganda

TX Bill Would Make It Illegal to Change the Gender of Minors, Charging Parents Who Consent With Child Abuse

Black Pro-Life Group Slams MLB's Decision to Pull All-Star Game Out of Georgia

Pentagon Develops Microchip That Detects COVID When Inserted Under Skin