Since the 1950s, US tax laws have prohibited churches from publicly supporting political candidates. If so, they risked losing their tax-free status.
However, recently the IRS announced that political candidates from the church pulpit are currently permitted to support them. The change follows a lawsuit filed by two churches and the state Religious Broadcasting Stations in Texas, and argued by previous restrictions on the support of candidates who have been violated by their initial rights to amendments to free speech and free religious exercise.
The lawsuit also alleged that the treatment of a church, which differs from other organizations, violated equal protection and the fifth amendment to the legitimate process.
Republicans, including President Trump, opposed the law and called for it to be repealed over the past decade. The IRS says churches that support candidates in congregations are comparable to “family discussions about candidates” rather than campaigns.
However, liberal groups like the ACLU are opposed to this ruling by the IRS. The ACLU emphasized that churches and religious leaders already have the right to freely express their opinions on political and social issues without fear of the impact of the IRS. They can also support or support political candidates as private citizens.
Having been committed to protecting the right to free speech for almost a century, the ACLU will strongly oppose efforts to limit worshippers and religious leaders from discussing important issues. Such restrictions clearly violate the constitution.
Additionally, the ACLU opposes religious groups that receive special tax benefits and privileges, saying “unconstitutional religious support has absolutely no place in the government.”
Conservative and religious groups praise the IRS’ decision.
