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Washington, DC - Faith-based and policy organizations are urging Congress to block the proposed IRS regulations on 501(c)4 organizations that will silence these organizations on policy and political issues and candidates.

“The proposed regulation is perhaps the most brazen attempt by the Internal Revenue Service to silence the speech of 501(c)(4) organizations,” the organizations told Congress. The proposed regulation prohibits these organizations from publicly speaking to matters of concern, including the following:

• Prohibits using words like “oppose,” “vote,” “support,” “defeat,” and “reject.”
• Prohibits mentioning, on its website or on any communication (email, letter, etc.) that would reach 500 people or more, the name of a candidate for office 30 days prior to a primary election and 60 days prior to a general election.
• Prohibits mentioning the name of a political party 30 days prior to a primary election and 60 days prior to a general elction, if that party has a candidate running for office.
• Prohibits voter registration drives or conducting a nonpartisan “get-out-the-vote drive.”
• Prohibits creating or distributing voter guides outlining how incumbents voted on particular bills.
• Prohibits hosting candidates for office at any event, including debates and charitable fundraisers, 30 days prior to a primary election or 60 days prior to a general election, if the candidate is part of the event’s program.
• Prohibits distributing any materials prepared on behalf of a candidate for office.
• Restricts employees of such organizations from volunteering.
• Restricts the ability of officers and leaders of such organizations to make public statements regarding the nomination of judges.
• Creates a 90-day blackout period, in an election year, that restricts the speech of 501(c)(4) organizations.
• Declares political activity as contrary to the promotion of social welfare.
• Protects labor unions and trade associations by not including them under the proposed regulations.

“President Obama wants to silence the voices of millions of Americans who disagree with him and his policies,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. “Prohibiting get-out-the-vote voter drives that merely seek to register more people to vote is un-American. Prohibiting nonpartisan voter guides that merely point out the voting record of candidates will have a disturbing effect on elections because people will not be able to learn about the positions of the candidates. These proposed IRS rules are designed to silence opposition to President Obama and his Party. The IRS should not be used to silence the voice of the people. These regulations are very dangerous to our freedom,” concluded Staver.

Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics.

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