Coalition Opposes Church Electioneering Bill - September 30, 2002 Vol. 3 No. 20

September 30, 2002 Vol. 3 No. 20:

Published: 09/30/2002

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Coalition Opposes Church Electioneering Bill

Religious leaders from the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs and the National Council of Churches, as well as OMB Watch and the Campaign and Media Legal Center, denounced pending legislation during a September 27 briefing for House members and staff that would allow faith-based organizations to endorse candidates and use a congregation’s funds and facilities for partisan campaign activities.

On Tuesday, October 1, House leaders intend to bring H.R. 2357, the Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act, up for a floor vote. The sponsors falsely claim that current law prevents religious leaders from commenting on public issues, and that this bill will not result in church funds being spent on campaign activities. Under current law, religious leaders can comment on issues, but they cannot endorse or oppose candidates. This bill would make it possible for religious organizations to spend tax-deductible funds and use their facilities for partisan electioneering. For details see our Fact Sheet and Alert.