The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has introduced a concurrent resolution urging the federal government to repeal the Johnson Amendment, which restricts the political speech of churches and other nonprofit organizations. The resolution, named the Leland Muhlenberg Resolution, argues that the amendment infringes upon the First Amendment rights of religious organizations by limiting their ability to engage in political discourse. It highlights historical instances where religious leaders played significant roles in advocating for freedom and governance, asserting that the amendment undermines the foundational principles of religious freedom and free speech in the United States.
The resolution calls upon key federal officials, including the President and members of Congress, to take action in repealing the Johnson Amendment to align federal law with constitutional protections for religious expression. It emphasizes the importance of religious organizations in American history and governance, citing various founding figures and documents that reflect the integral role of faith in the nation's development. The resolution concludes with a directive for the Clerk of the House to transmit copies of the resolution to relevant federal and state officials, as well as the media, to raise awareness of this issue.