free speech
is under threat
Stop the IRS from Silencing the Church
For too long, the IRS has controlled what churches and faith-based organizations can say from the pulpit, threatening their tax-exempt status if they speak on certain issues. This government overreach is made possible by the Johnson Amendment, a law that restricts churches from engaging in speech that could be considered “political.”
This law silences pastors, churches, and religious organizations, forcing them to choose between honoring their faith or keeping their tax-exempt status. The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and religion, but the IRS has turned it into a weapon against the church.
How the Johnson Amendment Silences the Church
Threat of Punishment – Churches can lose their tax-exempt status if they say anything that could be seen as “political,” even when it aligns with their biblical beliefs.
Government Interference – The IRS has the power to decide what a pastor can or cannot say, giving the government control over the church’s message.
Chilling Effect – Many churches self-censor, avoiding important topics out of fear of IRS retaliation.
Why This Must Stop
Churches should be free to speak boldly on moral and social issues without government interference.
The IRS should not have the power to control religious expression or dictate what churches can say.
Religious freedom and free speech are fundamental rights—and the Johnson Amendment directly violates them.
Sign This Petition to Demand Change!
We, the undersigned, call on Congress to repeal the Johnson Amendment and restore full free speech rights to churches and faith-based organizations. It’s time to stop the IRS from silencing the church!
Sign your name today and stand for faith, freedom, and the First Amendment!
the issue.
Free speech is not just a right—it’s a lifeline of our democracy, a principle that ensures every voice has a place in shaping the future.
Yet, today, this fundamental freedom is slipping away from nonprofits and religious organizations across the country.
These organizations are the heartbeat of our communities, offering hope, support, and guidance. But the Johnson Amendment, a provision of the U.S. tax code enacted in 1954, has silenced them on the critical political and social issues that shape our lives.
where it started
The Johnson Amendment places 501(c)(3) organizations under the shadow of the IRS, which wields the power to revoke their tax-exempt status if they "say the wrong thing." Imagine dedicating your work to uplifting your community, only to face the threat of losing your livelihood because you dared to address issues that matter most.
This law doesn't just create a chilling effect—it hands the government the authority to police the speech of nonprofits and religious groups, silencing their voices under the weight of bureaucratic control.
President Lyndon Johnson
Fight For justice
This isn’t just about tax codes—it’s about the soul of our democracy.
Nonprofits and religious organizations, dedicated to feeding the hungry, healing the broken, and uniting communities, are being held back from addressing the very issues that impact their work. Instead of amplifying their voices to bring light to dark places, they are forced into silence, walking on eggshells to avoid government reprisal.
The Call to Action: A Fight for Justice
This is about more than policy—it’s about principle. It’s about standing up for the rights of those who stand up for others. The Johnson Amendment is an outdated, unjust barrier that mutes the power of nonprofits and religious organizations to engage with their communities fully. It’s a direct attack on the values we hold dear: free speech, fairness, and the belief that every voice matters.
The IRS’s authority to strip tax-exempt status for speaking out on critical issues places a heavy, undue burden on organizations that are often the first to respond to crises and the last line of defense for those in need. This unchecked power stifles vital conversations and prevents the advocacy that could lead to real, meaningful change.
Now is the time to act. Ending the Johnson Amendment means restoring the ability of these organizations to speak freely, to advocate for their communities without fear, and to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. It’s about creating a democracy where every perspective is heard, and every contribution is valued.
Your voice can make a difference. Sign the petition today to demand the repeal of the Johnson Amendment. By standing together, we can restore free speech for nonprofits and religious organizations, ensuring their vital work can continue without unnecessary constraints.
Let’s protect the voices that protect us all.
Together, we can champion a future where
free speech truly belongs to everyone.
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