U.S. Rep. Larry Combest (R-TX) today announced his support for new legislation that would reverse a recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling that puts unfair restrictions on religious speech in television. The legislation follows on the heels of the FCC’s action on December 29, 1999, that restricts certain types of religious broadcasting as part of a decision about the transfer of a broadcasting license between a religious broadcasting station and a public broadcasting station. Under the new ruling, the FCC established stringent standards for “educational” programming that non-commercial educational TV stations must air to remain qualified. 

 Rep. Combest said, “The recent ruling by the FCC infringes upon our American right to freedom of speech that is protected by the U.S. Constitution. The FCC does not have any legal authority to suppress religious expression, and I believe the FCC has incorrectly determined the appropriateness of this material.”

 The new legislation, offered by U.S. Rep. Michael Oxley (R-OH), would reverse the “guidance” on the issue contained in the FCC’s recent order and would require the FCC to use its normal rulemaking procedures, which include taking public comment, if it chooses to regulate this area in the future. If the bill were enacted, it would nullify only the guidance section of the FCC order and would not affect the approved license swap in Pittsburgh. 

 “I support this legislation that overturns the FCC’s decision, because religious content should not be singled out for special scrutiny. At the very least, the FCC should abide by their normal procedures and should have heard public comment, especially from religious broadcasters who would be most affected by this ruling, before imposing such stringent regulations,” Combest added.

 The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC has jurisdiction over all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. possessions, and as an independent U.S. government agency, is directly responsible to Congress. 

 The bill is expected to be introduced when Congress reconvenes on January 24, 2000.