A Victory for Religious Liberty in the Senate; Battle Rages on in the House

The House Will Consider Legislation Aimed at Restricting Free Speech Rights of Churches and Non-Profit Organizations

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2007—“We are intensifying our efforts on Capitol Hill to focus on challenging this disturbing legislation in the House.”
Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel

Following considerable public outrage, the Senate approved an amendment last night that will remove language from a bill (S.1) that targeted churches and non-profit organizations by classifying them as "grassroots lobbying firms" subject to governmental regulation. The Senate vote comes on the heels of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) launch of a nationwide campaign to oppose the legislation that would drastically affect the free speech of churches and non-profit organizations. The ACLJ's focus now turns to the House where the dangerous legislation is expected to be introduced and supported by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
 
"We're delighted that members of the Senate understood the grave nature of putting severe restrictions on the free speech of churches and non-profit organizations," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the ACLJ, which is opposing legislation. "While the troubling language was removed from the Senate measure, we're still deeply concerned that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others will attempt to push through these dangerous restrictions in the House. Pastors and others who communicate about the moral and political issues of the day have constitutionally-protected free speech rights that would be severely undermined with the passage of legislation classifying them as ‘grassroots lobbying firms.' Thousands of Americans understand that such legislation threatens constitutional freedoms and have responded in opposition to this measure. We are intensifying our efforts on Capitol Hill to focus on challenging this disturbing legislation in the House."
 
The ACLJ launched a nationwide petition campaign this week-via e-mail, radio, television, and through its Web site-to urge Senate and House leadership to reject this legislation. In just four days, more than 54,000 people have signed on to the petition opposing the legislation.
 
Sekulow says he has assembled a legal and legislative team focusing on the problematic legislation. The ACLJ has produced a legal analysis (posted online at www.aclj.org) that details the dangers of this legislation.
 
"We are thankful for the victory in the Senate but will now turn up the pressure on the House," said Sekulow. "We urge House members to do the right thing-and reject this legislation that is not only unacceptable but unconstitutional as well."
 
Led by Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice specializes in constitutional law and focuses on religious liberty litigation. The ACLJ is based in Washington, D.C. and is online at www.aclj.org.

-30-