Politics From The Pulpit: Bill Aims To Restore Clergy's 1st Amendment Rights

CANTON, MI — To Michigan Sen. Patrick Colbeck, the idea that a minister can’t currently make a political statement without fear of their church losing its tax-exempt status is downright un-American. That’s why the Canton Republican recently introduced a bill that would allow members of the clergy to exercise their First Amendment rights from the pulpit.

“It’s a straightforward abridgement of constitutional rights,” said Colbeck, who introduced senate bill 269 on March 23. “We want to make sure our laws are aligned with the constitution.”

Under Michigan’s current law, it’s a criminal misdemeanor for people to offer inducements, or punishments to influence a person or a group to vote a particular way. Colbeck said the law traces back to President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

While in Congress, Johnson was known to intimidate people that opposed legislation he supported. Thus, the “Johnson Amendment” was created at the to stop such antics. Colbeck thinks the rule is outdated and that some church leaders aren’t even aware it exists.

“That’s why we’re trying to clean this up,” he said. “President Trump has advocated for its reversal. Hopefully this is the last year we’ll see it at the Federal level.”

The bill is currently sitting in the Senate’s Elections and Government Reform Committee. State Rep. Jeff Noble, a Plymouth Republican, said he thinks Colbeck’s bill has merit.

“It has a long way to go before it gets to the House floor for a vote,” said Noble, a freshman member of the legislature representing the 20th District. “I am still reviewing the details of this legislation, and bills often change and evolve as they go through the committee process so I’m not ready to commit to voting “yes” or “no” on this particular bill.

“That said, I am a strong believer of the fundamental rights granted in the U.S. Constitution, and the First Amendment guarantees religious liberty and freedom of speech,” said Noble. “Religious leaders often take on the role of community leaders, and they should have a right to speak out about issues that matter to their community.”

Noble has a unique perspective on the issue. He served for many years as the lead pastor at Plymouth’s Praise Baptist. He said there were definitely times he wanted to speak out on political matters to his congregation.

“I believe it could be beneficial for a pastor to compare the two platforms to what the bible teaches in order for the congregation to make a wise decision on the political issues they face,” said Noble.

Colbeck, first elected in 2010, introduced a similar bill a few years ago. But it never made it out of committee. Colbeck thinks it will make it out of the legislature this time, but wonders if Gov. Rick Snyder would sign it.

“We want to get it across the finish line this time,” Colbeck said.

Photos courtesy Sen. Patrick Colbeck and Rep. Jeff Noble