Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Trump Defends American Business Interests in Europe
WASHINGTON, July 9 [Category: Political] -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary:
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Trump Defends American Business Interests in Europe
By Caden Hubbs
In a recent press conference, President Trump reaffirmed his hardline stance in negotiations with the European Union, signaling progress despite years of what he called "bad treatment." Trump revealed the administration was just "two days off from sending them a [deal]," suggesting that a breakthrough is near in resolving the non-tariff trade barriers that have long burdened U.S. companies.
During the conference, Trump
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WASHINGTON, July 9 [Category: Political] -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary:
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Trump Defends American Business Interests in Europe
By Caden Hubbs
In a recent press conference, President Trump reaffirmed his hardline stance in negotiations with the European Union, signaling progress despite years of what he called "bad treatment." Trump revealed the administration was just "two days off from sending them a [deal]," suggesting that a breakthrough is near in resolving the non-tariff trade barriers that have long burdened U.S. companies.
During the conference, Trumphighlighted a 2024 European Court of Justice ruling that demanded Apple pay $17 billion in fines for allegedly receiving illegal tax breaks from Ireland--despite no evidence being presented that Apple had violated tax law, and Ireland itself siding with Apple. Even the European Union's General Court--the bloc's second highest--initially ruled against the demand, noting the lack of evidence and clear political motivation.
But Apple isn't alone in facing EU hostility. Under the Digital Markets Act (DMA)--a sweeping regulation designed to curb the competitiveness of American tech firms--Meta was served a $200 million fine for simply offering users the option to pay to remove ads on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, Apple has been fined another $500 million for its App Store model, while Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are all under active investigation.
If that weren't enough, several EU countries have rushed to implement discriminatory digital services taxes (DSTs) that target U.S. tech companies operating in Europe. These taxes violate not only bilateral trade agreements but also international tax norms, creating yet another front in Europe's unfair targeting of American enterprise.
U.S. leadership has long been complacent with Europe's daylight robbery and "bad treatment" of American business. President Trump's forceful defense is a welcome change--and one that's long overdue. As negotiations continue, the administration must maintain its assertive position against Europe's blatant regulatory discrimination and ensure that American companies are finally treated fairly.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/trump-defends-american-business-interests-in-europe/
Reproductive Equity Now President: 'Big, Beautiful Bill'? More Like 'Big Abortion Ban.'
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 9 -- Reproductive Equity Now, an organization that says it advances reproductive justice and eliminates barriers to safe and legal abortion care, issued the following news release:
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Reproductive Equity Now President: "Big, Beautiful Bill"? More Like "Big Abortion Ban."
With Donald Trump's signature on the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' abortion access will be decimated nationwide
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BOSTON (July 7, 2025) - Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now, released the following statement after Donald Trump signed the federal spending bill - commonly referred
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 9 -- Reproductive Equity Now, an organization that says it advances reproductive justice and eliminates barriers to safe and legal abortion care, issued the following news release:
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Reproductive Equity Now President: "Big, Beautiful Bill"? More Like "Big Abortion Ban."
With Donald Trump's signature on the 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' abortion access will be decimated nationwide
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BOSTON (July 7, 2025) - Rebecca Hart Holder, President of Reproductive Equity Now, released the following statement after Donald Trump signed the federal spending bill - commonly referredto as the "Big Beautiful Bill." This bill defunds Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide, incentivizes Affordable Care Act plans to stop covering abortion care, and slashes Medicaid funding, which will result in more sexual and reproductive health clinic closures. It is also expected that 17 million people across the United States will lose access to health care coverage.
"Donald Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' is really a 'Big Abortion Ban' that will devastate abortion access in red, blue, and purple states, forcing clinics to close and stripping millions--especially those already facing the greatest barriers to care--of their freedom to make personal decisions about their reproductive health. This bill also includes a full-scale attack on Planned Parenthood, eliminating all federal funding for an organization that provides essential health care, including birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing, to millions each year--especially in rural areas, low-income communities, and communities of color.
"Of course, we know this isn't just an assault on abortion rights--it's the deliberate dismantling of our health care system. This bill will drive up costs, increase wait times, and put basic care out of reach for millions. With the stroke of a pen, Donald Trump ushered in one of the most destructive blows to American health care in history.
"Now more than ever, state leaders must act. We need bold, immediate investments and emergency support funding to protect local clinics and ensure our health systems don't collapse under the weight of this national crisis. Reproductive Equity Now will not stop fighting to ensure our clinics have the resources they need, and our patients can access the care they deserve."
This May, President Rebecca Hart Holder released a statement after the U.S. House of Representatives first voted to "defund" Planned Parenthood. This bill passed through Congress on July 3, 2025, and President Donald Trump effectively signed this bill into law on July 4, 2025.
Here you can find reaction statements from Planned Parenthood Federation of America and our local Planned Parenthood partners: Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.
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Original text here: https://reproequitynow.org/press/reproductive-equity-now-president-big-beautiful-bill-more-like-big-abortion-ban
[Category: Sociological]
Pennsylvania's Medical Cannabis Program Changed Drastically When Anxiety Was Added as a Qualifying Condition
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, July 9 (TNSjou) -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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Pennsylvania's Medical Cannabis Program Changed Drastically When Anxiety was Added as a Qualifying Condition
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PITTSBURGH -- Within months of Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program adding anxiety as a qualifying condition, that diagnosis quickly rose to become the most common for cannabis certifications, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University. The study was published today in Annals of Internal Medicine.
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PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, July 9 (TNSjou) -- The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center issued the following news release:
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Pennsylvania's Medical Cannabis Program Changed Drastically When Anxiety was Added as a Qualifying Condition
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PITTSBURGH -- Within months of Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program adding anxiety as a qualifying condition, that diagnosis quickly rose to become the most common for cannabis certifications, according to a study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Johns Hopkins University. The study was published today in Annals of Internal Medicine.
To date, 39 states have medical cannabis programs, with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) historically being the most common and second-most common qualifying diagnoses, respectively, among participants. In recent years, several states, including Pennsylvania, have incorporated anxiety into their programs.
"We found that adding anxiety as a qualifying condition fundamentally changed the makeup of Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program," said corresponding author Coleman Drake, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at Pitt's School of Public Health.
The researchers analyzed Pennsylvania Department of Health data on 1,730,600 medical cannabis certifications issued from November 2017, when anxiety disorders were added, to December 2023. These certifications require a physician visit and annual renewal.
The team found that the number of certifications issued each month nearly tripled during that time. Before the list of qualifying conditions was expanded, chronic pain comprised the lion's share of diagnoses, at 67%, followed by 16% for PTSD. After anxiety was added, these numbers dropped to 41% and 11%, respectively, and anxiety quickly became the most common diagnosis, at 60%. Some certifications listed multiple conditions. The team was not able to determine how the overall size of the program was affected, nor how many participants had added or switched to anxiety from another diagnosis or were enrolling in the program for the first time.
Evidence supporting cannabis as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders is scant in comparison to other qualifying conditions, notably chronic pain, noted Drake.
"Adding anxiety to the program may inadvertently signal to patients that cannabis is effective for treating it, despite the lack of evidence, which is concerning," he said. "At the same time, cannabis may improve some health outcomes, relative to alternative treatments, depending on the individual and their circumstances." But, due to the red tape and funding scarcity that has historically restricted research on cannabis--as well as the lack of more granular data available from medical and adult-use cannabis programs--these unknowns persist, he said.
"The urgency in filling these knowledge gaps is pretty clear, given increases in cannabis use over the past decade, and the large changes in cannabis markets, like those we observed in this study," said Drake.
Other authors on the study were Linh Tran and Matthew Eisenberg, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
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Original text here: https://www.upmc.com/media/news/070525-cannabis-anxiety
[Category: Health Care]
Georgia Chamber Hosts Second Annual Future of Small Business Summit
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 9 -- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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Georgia Chamber Hosts Second Annual Future of Small Business Summit
MACON - Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Future of Small Business Summit, designed to equip small businesses with the tools they need for their future success. More than 100 people attended the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit, which took place at Fall Line Station in Macon. Fiserv and Grow with Google served as presenting sponsors of the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit.
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ATLANTA, Georgia, July 9 -- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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Georgia Chamber Hosts Second Annual Future of Small Business Summit
MACON - Today, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted the second annual Future of Small Business Summit, designed to equip small businesses with the tools they need for their future success. More than 100 people attended the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit, which took place at Fall Line Station in Macon. Fiserv and Grow with Google served as presenting sponsors of the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit.
Holly Wade, Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business Research Center and Dan Parzych, Senior Vice President of Analytics, Product & Innovation, Fiserv were the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit featured speakers. A full list of speakers, panelists, and moderators is below. A recording of the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit will be available on the Georgia Chamber's YouTube channel shortly.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2024 Georgia Small Business Profile, Georgia is home to 1.3 million small businesses--representing 99.7% of all Georgia businesses. These businesses employ 1.7 million Georgians, accounting for 43.1% of the state's total workforce.
Because of the critical role small businesses play in Georgia's sustained, record-breaking economic success, the Georgia Chamber has multiple initiatives to support small businesses. The Small Business Policy Council ensures small businesses' voices are represented in the Chamber's strategic decision-making and helps organize the annual Future of Small Business Summit.
Jennifer Abshire, Founder and CEO of Abshire Public Relations and Chair of the Georgia Chamber Small Business Policy Council said:
"Georgia's small business owners--like me--are resilient problem solvers. And to truly thrive, we need access to a specific set of resources. As Chair of the Small Business Policy Council, I work to ensure the Georgia Chamber remains laser-focused on providing small business owners with the tools, support, and connections we need. It is my hope that the 2025 Future of Small Business Summit is another vital resource in the Georgia Chamber's statewide toolbelt of resources for the small business community."
Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber said:
"When small businesses prosper, communities prosper. That's why the Georgia Chamber is deeply committed to equipping Georgia's small businesses with everything they need to succeed. Hosting the Future of Small Business Summit gives us a meaningful opportunity to connect small business owners to vital resources while celebrating the critical role they play in Georgia's sustained, record-breaking economic success."
Dan Parzych, Senior Vice President of Analytics, Product & Innovation, Fiserv said:
"Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, generating 44% of gross domestic product, nearly half of overall employment, and serving as valued pillars of communities. We are proud to sponsor this year's Future of Small Business summit, working alongside the Georgia Chamber to advance our shared mission of lifting up small businesses so local communities can thrive."
The full list of speakers, panelists, and moderators is as follows:
Welcome Remarks
Jennifer Abshire, Chief Executive Officer, Abshire Public Relations and Small Business Policy Council Chair, Georgia Chamber
Georgia|2050
Morgan Law, Chief Experience Officer, Georgia Chamber
National Trends for Small Businesses
Holly Wade, Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business Research Center
State Trends for Small Businesses
Dan Parzych, Senior Vice President of Analytics, Product & Innovation, Fiserv
Preparing to Build Partnerships with Corporations
Stacey Key, Chief Executive Officer, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council
Ryan Waldrep, Regional Economic Development Manager, Georgia Power
Moderator: Tommie Beth Willis, South Georgia Regional Director, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs
Small Business Resources
Kaitlyn Hill, Public Policy Manager, Amazon
Monica Delores Hooks, Chief Experience Officer, Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs
Anastasia Kudrez, Lead Educator, Grow with Google
Moderator: Allan Adams, State Director, Small Business Development Center
Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Small Businesses
Jenny Savelle, Owner, Bishop Clean Care
Elizabeth Schorr, Owner, Elizabeth Schorr & Co.
Todd Womble, Chief Executive Officer, Savannah Logistics Group
Moderator: Susan Kraut, Chief Executive Officer, Effingham County Chamber of Commerce
Lessons from Georgia's Small Business Leaders
Samuel L. Gude III, Chief Executive Officer, Gude Management Group
Christy Kovac, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sheridan Construction
Jimmy Puckett, Chief Executive Officer, SPINEN
Moderator: Jessica Walden, President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
Closing Remarks
Tiffany Holmes, Deputy Director, Georgia Chamber Foundation
Founded in 1911 and incorporated in 1915, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in Georgia, working to protect free enterprise and secure our long-term economic prosperity. The Georgia Chamber represents tens of thousands of members in every corner of the state, with offices in Atlanta, Brunswick, and Tifton. In 2025 the Georgia Chamber launched GEORGIA|2050, a strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years. For more information visit gachamber.com.
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Original text here: https://www.gachamber.com/news/georgia-chamber-hosts-second-annual-future-of-small-business-summit/
[Category: Business]
Following Landmark Victories for Animals, Colorado Humane Scorecard Reveals Legislators' Records on Animal Protection
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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Following landmark victories for animals, Colorado Humane Scorecard reveals legislators' records on animal protection
New laws target wildlife trafficking, puppy mills, breed bias and give lab animals a path to adoption
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DENVER, Co. -- Today, Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, released its 2025 Colorado Humane Scorecard. The scorecard grades state lawmakers on their actions to advance animal protection during the most recent legislative
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The Humane Society Legislative Fund issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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Following landmark victories for animals, Colorado Humane Scorecard reveals legislators' records on animal protection
New laws target wildlife trafficking, puppy mills, breed bias and give lab animals a path to adoption
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DENVER, Co. -- Today, Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, released its 2025 Colorado Humane Scorecard. The scorecard grades state lawmakers on their actions to advance animal protection during the most recent legislativesession and marks its second year of publication.
Released by the nation's leading animal advocacy organization, the 2025 Colorado Humane Scorecard highlights new laws that will advance protections for companion animals and wildlife alike. This includes SB25-085, signed at a ceremony held by Governor Jared Polis in April--the act provides an avenue for adoption of a dog or cat used in testing at a health-related research facility.
Bills were also signed into law to strengthen anti-wildlife-trafficking measures; crack down on bad breeders, by banning the sale of certain pets in public spaces; and expand options for pet owners in housing when it comes to insurance coverage.
"We had another very productive legislative session with several victories for animal protection," said Aubyn Royall, Colorado state director for Humane World Action Fund. "It was particularly exciting that Governor Polis held a dedicated signing ceremony for our bill granting former laboratory animals' new lives as adoptable pets. We thank the governor and the state legislators who work so hard, for their commitment to making Colorado a more humane state."
Nearly all Colorado senators--29 in total--scored 75% or higher on the scorecard, with 22 Senators receiving a perfect score of 100%. Additionally, more than half the Colorado House of Representatives--38 members--received a perfect score.
About the scorecard
All bills featured in the 2025 Colorado Humane Scorecard passed the Colorado General Assembly and were signed into law. Humane World Action Fund only scores bills that receive rollcall votes to accurately reflect legislators' actions. When reading the scorecard, a check indicates a pro-animal action.
* Health-Related Research Test Subjects (SB25-085): The act requires health-related research facilities that test on dogs and cats to offer those animals for adoption before euthanizing them. Those who have adopted former research dogs and cats can attest to the resilience and affection of these animals once they are given the chance to flourish in a home environment, after spending years in a laboratory. Sponsored by Sen. Cathy Kipp (D-14), Sen. John Carson (R-30), Rep. Manny Rutinel (D-32) and Rep. Amy Paschal (D-18).
* Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking (SB25-168): The bill increases penalties for existing prohibitions on possession, sale, and destruction of wildlife when the wildlife is a threatened, endangered, or CITES-listed species. It also prohibits certain conduct if wildlife was the subject of upstream offenses under other laws. Like Colorado, states must enact strong laws against wildlife trafficking to help stop international criminal schemes. Sponsored by Sen. Scott Bright (R-13), Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-8), Rep. Ryan Armagost (R-64) and Rep. Cecilia Espenoza (D-4).
* Prohibiting Pet Animal Sales in Public Spaces (HB25-1180): This act prohibits the sale of certain pet animals in public spaces, including parking lots, with some exceptions. Pets sold in public spaces are often from large-scale, cruel, commercial sellers. Buyers often have no recourse or way of contacting the seller about the animal after the sale is made. Sponsored by Rep. Monica Duran (D-23), Rep. Ryan Armagost (R-64), Sen. Scott Bright (R-13) and Sen. Dylan Roberts (D-8).
* Pet Ownership Residential Housing Structures (HB25-1207): Colorado law prohibits insurers from refusing to provide coverage or raising premiums for homeowners insurance or dwelling fire insurance based on the breed of their dogs. This act now extends this to all residential structures used as a residence by owners or renters. Access to housing is becoming more challenging, and Coloradans should not have to consider surrendering their pet to find affordable housing. Sponsored by Rep. Javier Mabrey (D-1), Rep. Monica Duran (D-23), Sen. Faith Winter (D-25) and Sen. Tony Exum (D-11).
As the nation's leading political advocacy organization for animal protection, Humane World Action Fund publishes state legislative and congressional scorecards to track the relevant votes, co-sponsorships and other actions of lawmakers. These scorecards highlight which lawmakers are leading on animal protection, and which ones need greater pressure to act. Explore all our scorecards online at humaneaction.org/humane-scorecard.
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Original text here: https://humaneaction.org/press-release/2025/07/following-landmark-victories-animals-colorado-humane-scorecard-reveals
[Category: Political]
B'nai B'rith Concerned About Proposed Legislation in Ireland That Would Boycott Certain Israeli Goods
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- B'nai B'rith International issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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B'nai B'rith Concerned About Proposed Legislation in Ireland That Would Boycott Certain Israeli Goods
Memorandum filed on impact of such legislation on American companies and individuals
Letter and memorandum sent to:
Chairman John Lahart
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dear Mr. Chairman:
B'nai B'rith International is an American-based Jewish advocacy and social service organization with members and supporters in more than 40 countries. Founded in 1843, we advocate for human rights, promote
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- B'nai B'rith International issued the following news release on July 8, 2025:
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B'nai B'rith Concerned About Proposed Legislation in Ireland That Would Boycott Certain Israeli Goods
Memorandum filed on impact of such legislation on American companies and individuals
Letter and memorandum sent to:
Chairman John Lahart
Foreign Affairs Committee
Dear Mr. Chairman:
B'nai B'rith International is an American-based Jewish advocacy and social service organization with members and supporters in more than 40 countries. Founded in 1843, we advocate for human rights, promoteintercultural relations, and support Jewish communities worldwide.
We are deeply concerned about the proposed Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025 that would boycott certain goods.
So that the Committee and the Government is made aware of the enormous implications were such legislation to be passed, please find the attached memorandum dated July 7, 2025, prepared on a pro bono basis by leading American attorneys Alan Futerfas and Ellen B. Resnick, regarding the impact of such legislation on American companies and individuals.
Click here to read the full memorandum (https://bnaibrith-org-wpom.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Updated-Ireland-2025-Act-Memorandum-Futerfas-Resnick-July-7-2025.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.bnaibrith.org/implications-of-bocott-israel-products-legislation-in-ireland/
[Category: Religion]
AU Denounces IRS Plan to Exempt Houses of Worship From the Johnson Amendment
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following statement on July 8, 2025:
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AU denounces IRS plan to exempt houses of worship from the Johnson Amendment
Americans United for Separation of Church and State's President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to the Internal Revenue Service's reinterpretation of law to exempt houses of worship and religious organizations from the Johnson Amendment, a federal law that prevents 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations from endorsing or opposing partisan political candidates for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State issued the following statement on July 8, 2025:
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AU denounces IRS plan to exempt houses of worship from the Johnson Amendment
Americans United for Separation of Church and State's President and CEO Rachel Laser issued the following statement in response to the Internal Revenue Service's reinterpretation of law to exempt houses of worship and religious organizations from the Johnson Amendment, a federal law that prevents 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations from endorsing or opposing partisan political candidates forpublic office. The proposed settlement was included in a court filing on Monday in the case National Religious Broadcasters v. Long:
Trump administration has radical reinterpretation of Johnson Amendment
"The Trump administration's radical reinterpretation of the Johnson Amendment is a brazen attack on church-state separation that threatens our democracy by favoring houses of worship over other nonprofits and inserting them into partisan politics. It's President Trump and his Christian Nationalist allies' signature move: exploiting religion to boost their own political power.
"For more than 70 years, the Johnson Amendment has reflected the will of the American people, the majority of whom want to protect the integrity of our elections and shield our houses of worship from the corrupting influences of partisan politicking. And the IRS's proposal to exempt houses of worship and religious organizations from the law but still enforce it for secular nonprofits would grant special favor to religion - an unconstitutional violation of church-state separation. We urge the court to reject the administration's latest gambit to re-write the law through the judicial system.
American public overwhelmingly supports Johnson Amendment
"Weakening this law would undermine houses of worship and nonprofits by transforming them into political action committees, flooding our elections with even more dark money. That's why polls have repeatedly shown that a broad cross-section of Americans - including faith leaders, evangelical Christians and Republicans - don't want houses of worship to endorse or oppose political candidates for office. And that's why, when Trump threatened the law during his first administration, more than 4,600 faith leaders, 5,800 nonprofit organizations and 106 religious and denominational organizations weighed in to strongly oppose weakening or repealing the current law."
Americans United is a religious freedom advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, AU educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.
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Original text here: https://www.au.org/the-latest/press/johnson-amendment-irs-lawsuit-trump/
[Category: Political]
