Debate on free speech rights of pastors Wednesday** NOTE: THE ADDRESS LISTED FOR THIS EVENT WAS IN ERROR. IT HAS BEEN CORRECTED BELOW. ** ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND MEDIA ADVISORY
Debate on free speech rights of pastors Wednesday
ADF will square off against Americans United
WHO: ADF Executive Vice-President and Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull WHAT: “Pulpit Freedom” debate with Barry Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State; Professor Donald Tobin, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; and Professor Douglas Laycock, University of Michigan School of Law WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, at 12 p.m. EDT WHERE: National Press Club, Holeman Lounge, 529 14th St. NW, Washington WASHINGTON — Alliance Defense Fund Executive Vice-President and Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull will participate in a “Pulpit Freedom” debate Wednesday co-sponsored by ADF and the Federalist Society. Speakers will focus on whether a 55-year-old IRS code provision called the Johnson Amendment violates the U.S. Constitution when it prohibits a pastor from addressing candidates and elections in light of Scripture or church doctrine during a sermon. “Pastors have a right to speak about biblical truths from the pulpit without fear of punishment. No one should be able to use the government to intimidate pastors into giving up their constitutional rights,” said Bull. “The sole purpose of the Johnson Amendment is to intimidate and silence pastors who fear an IRS investigation. Such a rule is simply unconstitutional.” In 1954, Congress amended the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) without analysis or debate to restrict the speech of non-profit, tax-exempt entities, including churches. As a result, many church leaders have censored their own sermons and declined to address candidates and elections in light of Scripture or church doctrine out of fear of an IRS investigation. On Sept. 28, 2008, ADF launched the first Pulpit Freedom Sunday as part of its Pulpit Initiative. Thirty-three pastors from 22 states participated in Pulpit Freedom Sunday by preaching their own sermons evaluating candidates for office in light of Scripture and church doctrine. ADF offered to defend the First Amendment rights of any pastor who came under legal fire by the IRS as a result of what the pastor said during a sermon. Admission to the debate is free. RSVPs can be submitted via the Web site of The Federalist Society.
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