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Churches Would Get Protections From IRS Punishment Under New Bill


Published on 2025-03-31 14:00:41 - Newsweek
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  • Rep. Mark Harris said the "Republican trifecta" in the federal government could change an amendment from 1954.

The article discusses a new legislative proposal in the U.S. Congress aimed at protecting churches from IRS penalties for engaging in political speech. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mike Johnson, seeks to amend the tax code to prevent the IRS from revoking the tax-exempt status of religious organizations that participate in political campaigns. This move comes in response to concerns over the enforcement of the Johnson Amendment, which currently prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Proponents argue that this bill would safeguard the free speech rights of religious leaders, allowing them to speak on political issues without fear of losing their tax-exempt status. Critics, however, worry that this could lead to churches becoming extensions of political parties, potentially influencing elections inappropriately. The bill has sparked a debate on the separation of church and state, with implications for how religious institutions interact with politics in America.

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/churches-would-get-protections-from-irs-punishment-under-new-bill/ar-AA1C0WtW ]