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Hearing Hearing Date: May 4, 2017 10:00 am 2154 Rayburn HOB

Examining a Church’s Right to Free Speech

Subject
Examining a Church’s Right to Free Speech
Date
May 4, 2017
Time
10:00 am
Place
2154 Rayburn HOB

PURPOSE:

  • To examine the Johnson Amendment’s effect on churches’ and other non-profit organizations’ freedom of speech.

BACKGROUND:

  • The Johnson Amendment prohibits churches and charitable organizations from engaging in any political campaign activity – violators risk losing their tax exempt status or facing penalty excise taxes.
  • Because the Amendment is an absolute prohibition, it results in self-censorship and chills church leaders’ political speech even when current issues intersect with the core tenants of their religion.

Witnesses and testimonies: Mr. Tony Perkins

President
Family Research Council

Document

Ms. Catherine Engelbrecht

Citizen
Cat Spring, Texas

Document

Ms. Christiana Holcomb

Legal Counsel
Alliance Defending Freedom

Document

Rabbi David Saperstein

Former Director and Counsel
Religious Action Center

Document