IRS Settlement Could Loosen Church Political Speech Ban

The IRS has proposed a major change to Johnson Amendment enforcement as part of a settlement with National Religious Broadcasters and other plaintiffs, which would allow pastors to endorse political candidates from the pulpit without risking their church's tax-exempt status. The change is grounded in First Amendment free speech and religious exercise arguments. The proposal awaits approval from a federal judge in Texas. The move has drawn both support from figures like Rev. L.K. Floyd and Pastor James Coleman, and criticism from others such as Pastor James Camm and Senator Tim Kaine, who warn of potential church-state conflicts. The IRS has generally not enforced the amendment against churches in recent years, and former President Trump previously directed the Treasury to ignore the rule. The settlement's outcome could have significant effects on the relationship between religion and politics in the U.S.