411
encouraging partisanship in church-
es, are renewing their push for the
"Houses of Worship Free Speech
Restoration Act" which would legal-
ize those activities.
The measure, introduced by Rep.
Walter Jones, R-N.C., and co-spon-
sored by Majority Leader Tom DeLay,
R-Texas, would amend the 1986 tax
code to permit churches, synagogues
and mosques to engage directly in
political campaigns without jeopardiz-
ing their tax-exempt status.
The bill is being promoted by the
Christian Coalition, which critics say
uses churches to distribute voters
guides that promote Republican can-
didates. But many Christian groups,
along with a long list of Jewish
organizations, oppose the measure,
saying it would generate unwelcome
pressure on clergy to get involved in
political campaigns.
In a recent poll by the Interfaith
Alliance, 77 percent of American clergy
said they were opposed to their fellow
clergy endorsing political candidates.
"The new bill has been changed,
but we think it's only cosmetic," said
Richard Foltin, legislative director for
the American Jewish Committee.
Last year's version
would have allowed reli-
gious institutions to raise
money for candidates;
this time around, back-
ers say the bill would no
longer do that.
"But for us, the criti-
cal issue is the destruc- Jones
tive impact of houses of
worship becoming
involved in partisan dissension,"
Foltin said. "And that hasn't
changed."
Similar anxieties led the Orthodox
Union to write to the bill's sponsors
last year, expressing "concern" about
some of its provisions.
Clergy can already speak out on
public policy issues, Jewish leaders say,
including controversial topics such as
abortion and gun control. What they
can't do is endorse or oppose specific
candidates, or use their resources for
political campaigns.
But backers say the bill is needed to
"protect" churches from retaliation by
the Internal Revenue Service when
their clergy speak out on political
issues. Congress watchers say the
measure has a good chance to pass
the House — but that it will face
much tougher going in the Senate,
where the GOP margin is narrower
and rules make it easier for the
Democrats to hold up legislation.
❑
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2003 Odyssey EX-L
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Mon. & Thurs. 8:30 - 9:15
Tues., Wed., Fri 8:30 - 6:15
Sat. 10-3
A NleM•it OF THE
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INFORMATION MEETING
Tuesday, May 6 • 7:00 p.m.
Max M. Fisher Federation Building • 6735 Telegraph Road
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Jonah Geller, Camp Director
Missy Siegler, Director of Senior Side
WE'RE PART OF THE TEAM
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Debbie Landau, Director of Junior Side
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705940
2003
19