So tRump wants to "destroy" the Johnson Amendment. An amendment that prohibits religious and

[Augiedog]

non profit organizations from engaging in certain political activities. An amendment by the way put in place by republicans. It should be noted that religious organizations and non profits pay no taxes. So if they want to be just like the rest of us, then pay yer taxes.

The principle of separation of state and church should not be messed with, period. Religion has NO place in government EVER. The instant religion enters in to government, the government will enter into religion. If you don't like Shiria Law, you sure as hell ain't gonna like the " religious rights" version of it either.

For those of you who may have skipped history class in grade school, religion in government has never been anything but a disaster.

[C_U_L8R]

1. Sooo... does this count for any religion

Or just the rightwinger's sinfully-bastardized version

[Augiedog]

4. If yer asking me, across the board. If a religion wants to lower itself to politics, then it can pay

like the rest of us.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Those advocating for the repeal of the Johnson amendment

don't seem to be considering the ramifications of the fact that it applies to all 501(c)(3) organizations, not just religious institutions. Section 501(c)(3) sets forth a list of tax-exempt charitable organizations, including those established for religious purposes. The Johnson amendment says that in order to keep its 501(c)(3) status, a charitable organization, which includes but is by no means limited to religious institutions, may "not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office."

This means that any 501(c)(3) charity - and there are a lot of them that are not religious - would have the same right to specifically argue for against a political candidate. These would include arts organizations, universities, foundations for scientific research, charities for the poor, the disabled, women, minorities, etc.; and organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, the Sierra Club, and Planned Parenthood. They would all be able to maintain their tax-exempt status and still participate in campaigns for political candidates.

So... Go ahead. Do it. Make our day.

[DBoon]

3. If religions can donate to political campaigns

Then you can expect politicians to start pressuring churches to back the "correct" candidates..

Do you want politicians telling churches how to operate?

Do you want churches that are mouthpieces of the government?