House Backs Religious Broadcasters
WASHINGTON — The House voted Tuesday to protect religious broadcasters by prohibiting the Federal Communications Commission from regulating the content of speech aired by noncommercial educational radio and television stations.
The bill, passed 264 to 159, was in reaction to an FCC statement, made in December and rescinded in January, that broadcasters seeking licenses for free, specially reserved educational TV channels should devote half their air time to educational programs.
The FCC statement, which drew the ire of some religious groups and members of Congress, also disqualified religious proselytizing and church services as general educational programming.
Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. (R-Okla.) said the bill confirmed the House’s commitment to religious rights.
Opponents said the bill will let religious groups use the public airwaves to promote their beliefs.
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