A federal judge in Tyler, Texas, dismissed a lawsuit on March 31 that sought to let churches endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status under the Johnson Amendment. The suit, brought by several Texas churches and national Christian groups against the IRS, had proposed a settlement in which the agency would agree not to enforce the decades-old law against the named plaintiffs.
The Johnson Amendment remains in effect nationwide following the dismissal, meaning 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, still may not formally endorse or oppose candidates for office without risking their exemption. The plaintiffs have not said whether they will appeal or refile.