ACLJ Pleased That Restrictive Amendment Targeting Churches & Non-Profits Removed From House Lobbying Reform Bill

May 18, 2007

(Washington, DC) The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which focuses on constitutional law, said today it is pleased that troubling language that would have made it extremely difficult for churches and non-profit organizations to speak out on the cultural and political issues of the day has been removed from a House measure focusing on lobbying reform.

The troubling language would have put an extreme burden on churches and non-profit organizations effectively making it difficult and in some cases impossible to exercise their First Amendment rights, said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  We heard from more than 180,000 Americans who wanted this provision removed and were delighted that it has been defeated.  Most Americans clearly understand that lobbying reform does not translate to threatening the constitutional freedoms that permit Christians to speak out on issues that matter most.  This is an important free speech victory for churches and non-profit organizations.  We stand ready to meet any further challenge should Congressman Meehan attempt to reintroduce this troubling amendment on the House floor when the lobbying reform bill is considered next week.  We will vigorously oppose such a move if it occurs.

In the House Judiciary Committee yesterday, an amendment offered by Rep. Martin T. Meehan (MA) was defeated an amendment that would have subjected to government regulation and required the reporting of detailed information for those who conducted grassroots mail and telephone campaigns.

The ACLJ has been active in challenging the provision and worked to defeat similar language in a Senate version of the bill earlier this year.  In challenging the Meehan Amendment, the ACLJ said more than 180,000 Americans have signed on to its Petition of Protest opposing the measure via the ACLJ website, email, direct mail, and phones.

Led by Chief Counsel 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.