Trump signs executive orders allowing more religious freedom

NTD Staff
By NTD Staff
May 4, 2017US News
share

President Trump signed orders limiting legal consequences for religious leaders who make political speech or support candidates.

Trump spoke about what how the orders will benefit people, “No American should be forced to choose between the dictates of the federal government and the tenets of their faith. As I campaigned across the country, faith leaders explained that they were prevented from speaking their minds because of a 1954 rule known as the Johnson amendment. I spoke about it a lot. Under this rule, if a pastor, priest or imam speaks about issues of public or political importance, they are threatened with the loss of their tax exempt status. A crippling financial punishment. Very, very unfair. But no longer. I promised to take action if I want. I didn’t win, I gave you no promise, that’s for sure. If I didn’t win I guess I’d be gone, right? I’d be out enjoying my life, I think? But I wouldn’t be helping you with the Johnson amendment. And to this end, this financial threat against the faith community is over.”

The Johnson amendment affects religious organizations, nonprofits, and universities, by affecting the tax-exempt status of those that engage in political speech or support.

Trump elaborated on how the orders will free religious organization, “In America, we do not fear people speaking freely from the pulpit, we embrace it. America has a rich tradition of social change beginning in our pews and pulpits. Perhaps there is no greater example than the historic role of the African American church as the agent for social progress, spurring our nation to greater justice or equality. We must never infringe on the noble tradition of change from the church and progress from the pew.”

ntd newsletter icon
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email.
Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Comments