Robert M. Engstrom writing at Human Events:
The Federalist Society-sponsored debate was moderated by attorney Steffan N. Johnson . . .
Bull told the approximately 100 people gathered that there is something “very wrong” with a
law that rewards those who don’t criticize politicians. He characterized the Johnson Amendment as a punitive measure to gag critics. He said the IRS has declined to litigate the constitutionality of the Johnson Amendment, but the courts will rule it unconstitutional if the case is ever heard because the amendment creates a two-tiered system of favored and disfavored churches under government surveillance.
Bull said government law cannot even determine exactly when a person becomes a candidate, but the IRS will judge the use of “code words” in pulpit speech and recognize transgressions of the tax-exempt regulations when they see it. Nobody knows what is legal or is not, and a pastor’s intent is irrelevant. A sermon could accidently transgress the law, incurring IRS punishment.
Related:
Video: Ben Bull featured in CBN News National Press Club debate recap
The National Press Club Johnson Amendment debate: Free Speech in the Pulpit
