Statement On President Donald Trump’s Executive Order Protecting Religious Liberty

Washington, DC – Faith & Freedom Coalition Chairman Ralph Reed issued the following statement on the Executive Order from President Trump to protect religious freedom. “President Trump’s executive order removes a sword of Damocles that has hung over the faith community for decades by administratively repealing the Johnson Amendment and restoring the right to political speech by pastors, churches and ministries. By ending the Obamacare mandates that violate the religious faith of the Little Sisters of the Poor and other faith-based nonprofits, this executive order lifts a cloud of fear over people of faith and ensures they will no longer be subjected to litigation, harassment and persecution simply for expressing their religious beliefs.  This is just the first bite at the apple, not the last. We still support the full statutory repeal of the Johnson Amendment and Obamacare mandates, but this order is a giant step in the right direction in protecting the First Amendment rights of Christians and other Americans of conscience and faith. I applaud President Trump and his administration for this bold leadership in advancing religious freedom.”