Politicizing Religious Organizations Act

Official Title: Free Speech Fairness Act (H.R. 2501)

Introduced by Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC)

This would amend the IRS code (Johnson Amendment) to allow charitable (including religious) organizations to make political statements without losing tax-exempt status, as long as those statements are made "in the ordinary course" of their activities.

This bill blurs the line between religious institutions and political activity, raising concerns about government-subsidized (via tax exemption) religious political speech, which is a core secular issue. It could open the door to unchecked political influences by tax-exempt organizations, allowing them to engage in partisan advocacy while benefiting from tax-free status. This also weakens campaign finance laws, leading to increased political spending by religious groups, further entangling religion and government.