by Dolapo Adelana
US President, Donald Trump is expected to take executive action on Thursday to effectively lift a ban on political activity by churches and other tax-exempt institutions, a senior White House official said on Wednesday.
Reuters say Trump will mark the National Day of Prayer by issuing guidance to federal agencies like the Treasury Department on how to interpret a law that says churches and religious organisations risk losing their tax-exempt status if they participate in political campaigns.
According to the White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity as details of the action were still being worked out, the order is expected to give the Treasury Department guidance on how strictly to enforce the 1954 law known as the Johnson Amendment.
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During his campaign, Trump complained about the amendment many times, increasing his support base among religious conservatives who contend it violates free speech and religious freedom rights.
For the law to be changed outrightly, the U.S. Congress will have to take action.
Civil liberties and gay rights groups fear Trump’s order could include provisions to allow government agencies and businesses to deny services to gay people in the name of religious freedom. The groups have argued that such a move would be unconstitutional.
It was not clear on Wednesday whether the order would include that type of measure, the official said.
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Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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