[BruceS]

I don't think you are right about it being unConstitutional. The Johnson Amendment didn't say Churches can't speak up on political issues, it said they would lose their tax-exempt status if they turn political. The Constitution doesn't guarantee any non-profit or religious institution exemption from taxes.

That said, the Johnson Amendment was a bad idea, which was not enforced against left-leaning churches and other non-profits. Glad it will be gone.

[Tzimisce]

Churches are protected by the 1st Amendment freedom of religion.

They can’t tax us to exercise our freedoms.

If they can, then they’re not freedoms.

[dsc]

“The Johnson Amendment didn’t say Churches can’t speak up on political issues, it said they would lose their tax-exempt status if they turn political.”

It favors some churches over others, does it not? That is a step toward establishment.

Preach leftism, you’re good. Preach conservatism, the government hits you financially.

[wastedyears]

The Constitution doesn't guarantee any non-profit or religious institution exemption from taxes.

There's nothing in the Constitution that states the government may regulate speech.

[savedbygrace]

1st Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Congress shall make no law that does any of those things. Because the law in question does that, Congress was forbidden by the 1st amendment from passing it. That’s why it’s unconstitutional.

[fwdude]

The Johnson Amendment didn't say Churches can't speak up on political issues, it said they would lose their tax-exempt status if they turn political.

Wrong. They would lose their 501(c)(3) status, not their tax exempt status. Not the same thing.