diff --git a/cumulusci/tasks/github/merge.py b/cumulusci/tasks/github/merge.py
index 1134de004..19893b08a 100644
--- a/cumulusci/tasks/github/merge.py
+++ b/cumulusci/tasks/github/merge.py
@@ -50,10 +50,10 @@ class MergeBranch(BaseGithubTask):
                 "source_branch"
             ] = self.project_config.project__git__default_branch
         self.options["skip_future_releases"] = process_bool_arg(
-            self.options.get("skip_future_releases") or True
+            self.options.get("skip_future_releases", True)
         )
         self.options["update_future_releases"] = process_bool_arg(
-            self.options.get("update_future_releases") or False
+            self.options.get("update_future_releases", False)
         )
 
     def _init_task(self):