Mark Harris Fights Censorship, Upholds Religious Free Speech
Submitted by MAGA
Posted 1 day ago
**Revoking Censorship: Mark Harris Champions Free Speech for Religious Leaders**
In a bold move to protect the voice of religious leaders across the nation, North Carolina Congressman Mark Harris is set to introduce the “Free Speech Fairness Act.”
This legislation aims to dismantle the restrictive Johnson Amendment, which has historically silenced pastors and non-profit organizations from expressing their views on political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status.
Harris, who is also a Baptist minister, underscored the threat the current tax code poses to free speech in religious settings.
“The whole idea was in contrast to Americans’ inalienable rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion,” he told The Daily Wire.
The proposed act not only seeks to restore the ability of religious leaders to speak out politically but ensures that their sermons and outreach efforts reflect their constitutional rights without fear of IRS repercussions.
Paired with the initiative, Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma will introduce a companion measure in the Senate, garnering support from heavyweights like Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri.
“The First Amendment protects Americans’ right to freedom of speech and religious freedom without the threat of interference from Congress,” Lankford emphasized, reinforcing the notion that these fundamental values should encompass all citizens, including religious leaders.
Under this proposed legislation, charitable organizations could engage in political discourse as long as it aligns with their exempt purposes and is conducted in the usual course of their operations.
Harris clarified that while the aim is to allow churches to express themselves politically, it does not seek to convert them into political action committees.
The movement has gained traction, with 14 co-sponsors in the House already rallying behind Harris's initiative.
Support from influential conservative groups—such as the Alliance Defending Freedom and Focus on the Family—underscores the momentum this effort has generated within the conservative community.
This initiative echoes President Donald Trump’s earlier commitment to eradicating the Johnson Amendment, which he viewed as a means to restrict the voices of faith leaders.
In 2017, Trump vowed to “destroy” the amendment, allowing faith representatives to speak freely about political matters.
With a renewed call for religious liberty and the protection of free speech, the Free Speech Fairness Act could be a crucial step towards ensuring the voices of pastors and churches resonate within the political sphere, reaffirming their role in the American discourse.
As the nation grapples with ongoing debates about free speech and censorship, Harris’s effort serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all Americans, particularly those in the faith community, to engage in the political process without fear of retribution.
Sources:
dailywire.com
jonathanturley.org
thefederalist.com
In a bold move to protect the voice of religious leaders across the nation, North Carolina Congressman Mark Harris is set to introduce the “Free Speech Fairness Act.”
This legislation aims to dismantle the restrictive Johnson Amendment, which has historically silenced pastors and non-profit organizations from expressing their views on political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status.
Harris, who is also a Baptist minister, underscored the threat the current tax code poses to free speech in religious settings.
“The whole idea was in contrast to Americans’ inalienable rights to free speech and the free exercise of religion,” he told The Daily Wire.
The proposed act not only seeks to restore the ability of religious leaders to speak out politically but ensures that their sermons and outreach efforts reflect their constitutional rights without fear of IRS repercussions.
Paired with the initiative, Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma will introduce a companion measure in the Senate, garnering support from heavyweights like Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri.
“The First Amendment protects Americans’ right to freedom of speech and religious freedom without the threat of interference from Congress,” Lankford emphasized, reinforcing the notion that these fundamental values should encompass all citizens, including religious leaders.
Under this proposed legislation, charitable organizations could engage in political discourse as long as it aligns with their exempt purposes and is conducted in the usual course of their operations.
Harris clarified that while the aim is to allow churches to express themselves politically, it does not seek to convert them into political action committees.
The movement has gained traction, with 14 co-sponsors in the House already rallying behind Harris's initiative.
Support from influential conservative groups—such as the Alliance Defending Freedom and Focus on the Family—underscores the momentum this effort has generated within the conservative community.
This initiative echoes President Donald Trump’s earlier commitment to eradicating the Johnson Amendment, which he viewed as a means to restrict the voices of faith leaders.
In 2017, Trump vowed to “destroy” the amendment, allowing faith representatives to speak freely about political matters.
With a renewed call for religious liberty and the protection of free speech, the Free Speech Fairness Act could be a crucial step towards ensuring the voices of pastors and churches resonate within the political sphere, reaffirming their role in the American discourse.
As the nation grapples with ongoing debates about free speech and censorship, Harris’s effort serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the rights of all Americans, particularly those in the faith community, to engage in the political process without fear of retribution.
Sources:
dailywire.com
jonathanturley.org
thefederalist.com
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