Action is needed to thwart President Obama and his IRS from restricting speech for Christians and conservatives. Act today!
Building on its 2010-2012 antics to slow the approval of non-profit status for tea party and liberty groups, President Obama has encouraged the IRS to prepare more restrictions to the activities of issues-focused groups. While the regulation is proposed for 501(c)(4) organizations it will surely be applied to 501(c)(3) organizations which include churches and other religious groups due to their tax deductible status.
The Blaze reports specifics of the proposed regulation:
- Prohibits leaders within these organizations to speak publicly regarding legislative matters of public concern and to volunteer;
- Prohibits using words like “oppose,” “vote,” “support,” “defeat,” and “reject;”
- Prohibits mentioning, on its website or on any communication (email, letter, etc.) that would reach 500 people or more, the name of a candidate for office 30 days prior to a primary election and 60 days prior to a general election;
- Prohibits mentioning the name of a political party 30 days prior to a primary election and 60 days prior to a general election, if that party has a candidate running for office;
- Prohibits voter registration drives or conducting a nonpartisan “get-out-the-vote” drive;
- Prohibits creating or distributing voter guides outlining how incumbents voted on particular bills;
- Prohibits hosting candidates for office at any event, including debates and charitable fundraisers, 30 days prior to a primary election or 60 days prior to a general election, if the candidate is part of the event’s program;
- Prohibits distributing any materials prepared on behalf of a candidate for office;
- Restricts employees of such organizations from volunteering;
- Restricts the ability of officers and leaders of such organizations to make public statements regarding the nomination of judges;
- Creates a 90-day blackout period, in an election year, that restricts the speech of §501(c)(4) organizations;
- Declares political activity as contrary to the promotion of social welfare; and
- Protects labor unions and trade associations by not including them under the proposed regulations.
Public comment is being accepted until February 27. It is vital that the IRS hears from Americans opposing this attempt to silence our political, religious and issue-based speech. This is the battle to keep our freedom of speech for once gone it will not be recovered. Please take a few minutes to make your opinion known. That’s all it takes to fight for your freedom today.
Regulations.gov online response form