Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 27: A presidential commission on religious liberty has recommended repealing the Johnson Amendment, reviving a long-standing proposal to remove restrictions on political activity by religious organisations, as part of a broader set of recommendations submitted to US President Donald Trump.
The Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty presented its report to the President on Friday after seven months of hearings that included testimony from 103 witnesses. The report contains 12 recommendations aimed at strengthening protections for religious freedom across the United States.
Presenting the panel's findings, Vice Chairman Ben Carson said the commission had recommended stronger measures to combat anti-Semitism, greater legal safeguards for Americans facing government action over the practice of their faith, and repeal of the Johnson Amendment.
Among the proposals are stricter enforcement of civil rights laws against anti-Semitic discrimination and violence, expanded legal protection for individuals whose religious freedoms are challenged through government litigation, and the removal of the Johnson Amendment, which limits the political activities of tax-exempt religious organisations.
The commission also recommended that the Department of War simplify procedures for granting religious accommodations to military personnel. It further urged the government to continue restoring retirement benefits, health insurance, pensions and other entitlements for service members who lost their jobs because of religious objections to Covid-19 vaccination requirements.
Another recommendation calls for the institution of a Presidential Medal of Religious Liberty and First Freedom Hero Awards to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to defending religious freedom and constitutional rights.
Carson praised Trump's commitment to religious liberty, saying the President had consistently prioritised the issue throughout his public life.
"Our founding principles recognise that our rights come from our Creator, not from the government," Carson said while commending Trump's efforts in protecting religious freedoms.
Commission member Rabbi Meir Soloveichik also stressed the need for stronger action against anti-Semitism, describing it as one of the commission's central concerns.
He said Jewish communities, particularly in New York, continue to face serious threats and emphasised the importance of confronting rising anti-Semitism through effective legal and civic measures.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the submission of the report marked the beginning of a broader effort rather than its conclusion.
He said the Justice Department would work closely with the White House to examine the recommendations and pursue further action to strengthen religious liberty protections.
Responding to the report, President Trump said his administration would carefully review the recommendations and work towards implementing them.
"We're going to bring religion back even stronger," Trump said, adding that the commission had presented several significant proposals that deserved serious consideration.