US Capitol
Baptist News Global | Nov. 20, 2024
Civil rights advocates are urging Americans to pressure members of the House of Representatives to vote against legislation enabling the incoming Trump administration to selectively target nonprofit organizations it considers ideological and political enemies.
“In a clear reaction to pro-Palestine protests, the House might pass legislation that would hand the government a dangerous tool to stifle free speech and punish disfavored groups. We must take action,” the American Civil Liberties Union warned in an email to its supporters Nov. 19.
Narrowly blocked in the House Nov. 14 and again on Nov. 19, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act would give the U.S. Department of the Treasury sweeping authority to strip the tax-exempt status of nonprofits considered to be “terrorist supporting.” The term is vaguely defined.
“This bill gives the executive branch the authority to effectively dismantle any nonprofit organization it deems to have provided ‘material support’ to terrorist groups and the potential for abuse under this law is staggering,” the ACLU explained.
And if passed on the next attempt, it is unlikely the next administration would limit the bill’s use to college students and others protesting Israel’s war with HAMAS, the ACLU warned. “It isn’t a stretch to imagine how this bill could be used to pressure universities to shut down student groups and further criminalize dissent in this country.”
The civil liberties organization provided an online message form for citizens concerned about the legislation some call the “nonprofit killer,” adding “we cannot allow this bill to pass. Tell your representatives to vote no on H.R. 9495.”
Among unofficial United Methodist organizations that could be affected by the bill are United Methodist Kairos Response and the Methodist Federation for Social Action, both of which advocate for Palestinian rights. The two groups hosted a Nov. 13 webinar, "Palestine Is Calling," urging a halt to the current armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and support for Palestinians.
The Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards, senior executive director of advocacy for the General Board of Church and Society, told United Methodist Insight that the agency is monitoring the bill, titled H.R. 9495, but that no statement on its possible effects has been issued. Church and Society is the United Methodist unit that carries out the social justice policies enacted by the General Conference, the only body with the authority to speak for the entire denomination.
Insight Editor Cynthia B. Astle contributed to this article.