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Advocacy Blog
Friday, September 29, 2006
Senator Inhofe Introduces Church Electioneering Legislation
On Sept. 27, 2006 Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) introduced the Religious Freedom Act of 2006 (S. 3957), to protect houses of worship or meditation from losing their tax-exemption when they speak out on "public issues, election contests, and pending legislation made in a theological or philosophical context." Inhofe has introduced this legislation with the backdrop of recent IRS investigations into churches alleging that partisan politics was mixed into sermons. However, current law already allows religious organizations to discuss the issues of the day, but not to endorse or oppose candidates. With vague wording and lack of definition for "election contests" S. 3957 could open the door to allow places of worship to engage in highly partisan activity. This only further blurs the line between issue advocacy and electioneering. This legislation also discriminates against non-religious 501(c)(3) organizations, that would then be prohibited to engage in similar political activity as houses or worship.
The BNA Money and Politics story can be read here (subscription required). See The History of Church Electioneering page.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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