Trump pledges bigger voice for religious voters

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump appealed Friday to a major group of Republican voters — religious conservatives — by pledging to give them a bigger voice in politics.

Advocating repeal of the so-called Johnson amendment — a 1954 law that prohibits tax-exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates, named for then-Senate leader and future President Lyndon Johnson — Trump said it ties the hands of religious organizations.

"They have been stopped from talking and speaking by a law," Trump told delegates to the annual Values Voter Summit in Washington. "And we’re going to get rid of that law so fast."

Checking off a list of platform items pleasing to religious conservatives, Trump also promised conservative appointments to the Supreme Court, protections for "religious liberty," and "school choice" laws that will help parents send their children to religious schools.

In addition to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, Trump took aim at news coverage of religions and politics, saying that "our media culture often mocks and demeans people of faith."

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As for Clinton, Trump said the Democratic nominee will threaten gun rights and religious liberty. The GOP nominee drew a standing ovation from the conservative crowd by declaring Clinton "unfit to be our president."

Trump, married three times and occasionally profane, has never been seen as a religious figure, but he does enjoy strong support from traditionally Republican evangelical voters.

Delegates to the Values Voter Summit say the New York businessman speaks to their issues, whether it's the Johnson amendment, school choice, or what some described as government threats to religious liberty.

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"Religious conservatives understand the risks to religious freedom at this time," said actor Jon Voight, who introduced Trump before his speech.

Della Healy, 80, a writer from Springfield, Va., said Trump has many religious advisers and pointed out that "his vice president is Mike Pence."

Trump also announced to the crowd that he will attend Saturday's funeral for Phyllis Schlafly, a long-time leader among religious conservatives who died Monday.

Liz Anderson, 26, marketing coordinator for a center-right open petition website called StandUnited, said religious conservatives feel betrayed by the Republican-run Congress and appreciate Trump's pledges to shake up the system. The fact that the political establishment hates Trump is an asset, she said.

"Conservatives are trying to get back at the establishment," Anderson said.

The religious liberty agenda is vast, but it includes a call for legislation that would allow people of faith to refuse services — like adoption or wedding planning — to gays if they have sincere religious objections to same-sex marriage.

Opponents say these proposals sanction discrimination.

Some religious leaders also want to stake out bigger roles in politics if the Johnson amendment is eliminated — an idea that Trump said he advanced.

“That was my idea," he told the summit. "I figure it’s the only way I’m getting to heaven."