Dozens of Georgia's religious leaders are embracing a new movement to challenge a decades-old tax law that prohibits preaching about politics from the pulpit.

Several pastors in the state have openly criticized the law in recent weeks, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The pastors say the Internal Revenue Service's rule is an intrusion on their free speech rights.

Other religious leaders have endorsed a political candidate. Some have even dared the federal government to sanction them for expressing their political preferences.

The stakes are high, as violating the rule could cost a church its tax-exempt status, costing it thousands of dollars. So far the federal government has steered clear of sanctioning participants.

This past Sunday many preachers reminded their parishioners to vote on Nov. 6 and all but stated their presidential choice.