#USA #Washington #Family Research Council #Free Speech Act #Religious Liberty

Family Research Council Endorses the Free Speech Fairness Act

On March 31, 2025, U.S. Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC 8) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) spearheaded a bipartisan effort to unveil the "Free Speech Fairness Act." This notable legislation seeks to protect and reinstate the rights of free speech and religious liberty for churches and various nonprofit organizations. In particular, it allows these entities to express political views while undertaking activities aligned with their designated purposes, provided that any related financial expenditures are minimal.

Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council (FRC), expressed enthusiastic support for the initiative, emphasizing its significance for religious leaders. His statement underscores how current regulatory measures, specifically the Johnson Amendment, have long served to silence the voices of those in religious positions. For nearly twenty years, the FRC and its affiliated organization, FRC Action, have been advocating for the repeal of this amendment, which has been perceived as a form of intimidation against pastors and a means to censor their homilies.

"Pastors should be able to address cultural issues and political candidates from a biblical perspective without fear of repercussions. There should be no censorship when it comes to free speech," Perkins remarked. He acknowledged the efforts of Congressman Mark Harris and Senator James Lankford in revitalizing this crucial piece of legislation, which was previously supported by influential GOP figures such as House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Echoing Perkins’ sentiments, Jody Hice, former Congressman and current President of FRC Action, reiterated that the First Amendment guarantees every American the right to freely express their beliefs and practice their religion. He declared that this fundamental principle should not waver simply because an individual steps into a house of worship.

"The Johnson Amendment has been used as a tool to silence religious figures from voicing their perspectives on political issues what they deem important. As someone who has faced scrutiny from the IRS for preaching on matters pertinent to my congregation, I stand firm in my belief that the government has no right to infringe upon our unalienable rights as granted by our Founding Fathers," Hice asserted.

This legislative push is expected to garner significant attention as it highlights the ongoing debate over the intersection of religion, speech, and politics in the contemporary political climate. The endorsement from the Family Research Council signals a broader movement among religious organizations advocating for changes to the legal framework governing their engagement in civic discourse.

In summary, the Free Speech Fairness Act aims to liberate religious organizations from regulatory constraints that have hampered their ability to participate in the public sphere. This effort seeks to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution while ensuring that houses of worship can engage in discussions relevant to their communities without fear of governmental retaliation. As advocates rally behind this key legislation, the implications for free speech and religious expression in America remain a pertinent topic for public debate and consideration.