June 13, 2008

(Washington, DC) – The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), focusing on constitutional law, said today it has received more than 133,000 signatures on a petition urging the U.S. House of Representatives to consider the Broadcaster Freedom Act, a measure that would prohibit the return of the Fairness Doctrine.  The ACLJ is working members of Congress on the issue including Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), one of the co-sponsors of the Broadcaster Freedom Act.  The Act, which would permanently prohibit the FCC or any future President from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, is bottled up in the House but may be moving closer to a vote.

“The fact is a return to the Fairness Doctrine would be a crippling blow for Christian broadcasters – giving the federal government authority to tell broadcasters what to air,” said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ.  “The Broadcaster Freedom Act is essential to ensuring that this troubling regulatory measure does not resurface.  We’ve heard from more than 133,000 people who do not want the government deciding what Christian broadcasters must air.  We applaud the efforts of Congressman Mike Pence and others who understand that the Broadcaster Freedom Act is necessary and deserves immediate consideration by the full House.  We’re hopeful that will occur.”

In order for the Broadcaster Freedom Act to move directly to the House floor for an up-or-down vote, 218 members of the House must sign on to a discharge petition.  More members of Congress continue to sign on with only 23 more signatures needed.

The ACLJ has heard from 133,906 people who have signed on to an ACLJ petition urging members of Congress to sign on to the discharge petition.

“The only way to ultimately protect Christian broadcasting from government intervention is to pass the Broadcaster Freedom Act.  And, we’re hopeful that the measure gets to the House floor soon so there can be an up-or-down vote,” said Sekulow.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and is based in Washington, D.C.