The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics presents a free Ethics at Noon event. Register now!
Johnson Amendment: The Unique Political Role of Nonprofits & Religious Organizations
August 22, 2017 | Noon
Wiegand Room, Vari Hall
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA
Thomas Reese, S.J., Center Visiting Scholar and contributing writer for National Catholic Reporter, will discuss the Johnson Amendment, a U.S. tax code provision first enacted in 1954 which prevents nonprofits and religious organizations from endorsing candidates or donating to political campaigns. The talk will also explore how its repeal would affect nonprofit and religious organizations.
Recently, President Trump has stated he will “get rid of and totally destroy” the Johnson Amendment. What would happen if it were repealed? Would it cause the social sector to become divisive and partisan? Would it destroy the uniquely apolitical role of nonprofits and churches, or would it encourage nonprofit and church leaders to be more politically involved? What would the ethical ramifications then be?