MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact:

Patrick Hudson, Communications Assistant, 202-238-9088, phudson@americanhumanist.org

Maggie Ardiente, Communications Director, 202-238-9088, mardiente@americanhumanist.org

HUMANIST GROUP TO HOST BRIEFINGS EDUCATING CONGRESS ABOUT JOHNSON AMENDMENT

On January 31, 2017, the American Humanist Association will host briefings in both the US House and Senate to educate legislators and their staff about the importance of protecting the Johnson Amendment, a piece of legislation that prevents religious organizations from violating the separation of church and state by endorsing political candidates.

WHEN: January 31, 2017. The US House briefing will be held at 11:30am, and the US Senate briefing will be held at 1:30pm.

WHERE: The US House briefing will be held at Cannon 340, and the US Senate briefing will be held at Russell 485, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

WHO: The briefing will feature experts on the topics of religious freedom and campaign finance, including: Policy Counsel Jennifer Ahearn of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Executive Director Amanda Tyler of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and Political Action Committee Coordinator Ron Millar of the Freethought Equality Fund. American Humanist Association Executive Director Roy Speckhardt and American Humanist Association Development and Communications Director Maggie Ardiente will also be in attendance.

WHY: President Donald Trump has indicated his support for a repeal of the Johnson Amendment, which was passed in 1954 to protect the separation of church and state by prohibiting religious and other non-profit organizations from engaging in political activity, including endorsing and funding political candidates. Already, a bill has been introduced in this session of Congress, HR 172, which would overturn the Johnson Amendment. The American Humanist Association, as well as other church-state separation groups and organizations for campaign finance reform, are concerned that without the Johnson Amendment, churches and other religious organizations could funnel anonymous, tax-deductible donations to candidates who promise to implement their religious practices into policy.

MORE INFORMATION: Members of the press who would like more information or are interested in attending the briefing should contact Patrick Hudson, communications assistant, at phudson@americanhumanist.org or 202-238-9088.

This media advisory can be viewed online here.