Rule would gag nonprofit groups

The first step toward a gag rule aimed at stopping non-profits from speaking up about issues is about to come to a vote in the House of Representatives, perhaps as soon as Wednesday.

The gag rule will be introduced as an amendment to the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) in the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act (H.R. 1461) . It would dramatically restrict nonprofit advocacy.

While this rule would apply only to nonprofits seeking grants under a new Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), the provision sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the speech and association rights of all nonprofits. It would be the foot in the door.

The Nonprofit Gag Provision applies only to nonprofits, and would prohibit them from receiving grants if the organization:

Engages in partisan and nonpartisan voter registration, voter identification, and get-out-the-vote activities;

· Publicly “promotes,” “supports,” “attacks,” or “opposes” a candidate for federal office, which could be interpreted to include criticism of elected officials who may be seeking reelection;

· Broadcasts any ads – public service announcements, grassroots issue advocacy, anything – that refer to federal candidates within 60 days of a general election or 30 days of a primary; or

· Lobbies, except if the group is a 501(c)(3) organization it may lobby within permissible limits.

OMB Watch has more.