[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HOUSES OF WORSHIP POLITICAL SPEECH PROTECTION ACT

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                               speech of

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce my intention to 
vote against H.R. 2357, the Houses of Worship Political Speech 
Protection Act.
  I firmly support the base principle of this legislation--reinforcing 
the right of freedom of speech to America's religious leaders without 
fear of losing their tax-exempt status. However, I cannot support this 
legislation because it does not address the issue of political 
contributions and fundraising by or within the church.
  Under this bill churches can maintain their tax exempt status while 
engaging in political activity such as endorsements, issue 
advertisements, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Most egregiously, under 
this bill churches will become involved with partisan fundraising while 
allowing for tax deductible and tax-exempt status for the church and 
congregation.
  The abuse by political parties and partisan groups and individuals of 
so many American institutions when it comes to political activity 
should not be allowed to cross the doorway into America's houses of 
worship. Politics is not the purpose of our places of worship.
  I have been informed that 77 percent of clergy and over two-dozen 
religious groups have announced their opposition to this bill.
  While I do believe that the primary intentions of the bill were well 
meant, I cannot support it in this form.

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