WASHINGTON -- A bill that would allow churches to endorse political candidates and parties without losing their tax-exempt status is expected to make it to a vote before the end of September.
The "Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act," which will be voted on by the House of Representatives, is sponsored by Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.).
Under Jones' bill, only churches and other houses of worship would be exempt from the ban on partisan politicking, according to the Associated Baptist Press. Other 501(c)3 organizations still could not take sides in political races. Under current tax laws, churches are not allowed to endorse candidates or political parties.
The bill's opponents, however, claim churches enjoy enough free speech.
"Religious leaders are already free to expose moral evils, propose ethical solutions and hold our leaders to the highest standards," said Barry Lynn, director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. "The only thing that tax law prohibits is intervention by tax-exempt groups in political campaigns."
The bill's supporters include Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson, pastor Jerry Falwell and Focus on the Family leader James Dobson.
Opponents include the public-policy arms of the United Methodist Church, the National Council of Churches, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Jewish and Buddhist organizations.
