[weegee]

I just posted this on another thread but it is very applicable here too:

I say be on the ready to report these 501c3 organizations and churches to the IRS and FEC for violating their non-profit status. There is a restriction on their political speech in exchange for their tax-free status. And that restriction is they cannot campaign/endorse for/against a party, a piece of legislation, or a candidate.

If there is ANY attempt at telling a voter "how" to vote, they have jeopardized their tax status.

[Salvation]

**report these 501c3 organizations and churches to the IRS and FEC for violating their non-profit status. There is a restriction on their political speech in exchange for their tax-free status. And that restriction is they cannot campaign/endorse for/against a party, a piece of legislation, or a candidate.**


Bumpin your idea!

[marshmallow]

There is a restriction on their political speech in exchange for their tax-free status. And that restriction is they cannot campaign/endorse for/against a party, a piece of legislation, or a candidate.

Churches have a duty to speak out against anything which conflicts with the Gospel. Not to do so is to become mere serfs of the almighty state and to start on the path to subjugation and irrelevancy.

Legislation which attacks the family, such as homosexual "marriage" or any anti-life initiatives such as the human spare parts industry (embryonic stem cells, cloning etc.,) or abortion is well within the ambit of the Church's mission. To remain silent on these issues is simply to clear the way for the return of Hitler and Dr. Mengele.

Tax exemption does not stifle free speech. The Church may not campaign for a particular party or candidate but it certainly must speak up when morally reprehensible legislation is proposed.

[amihow]

You are absolutely wrong about that.

A 501C3 can use a percentage of its funds to lobby on ISSUES>

[JohnnyZ]

If there is ANY attempt at telling a voter "how" to vote, they have jeopardized their tax status.

And communism marches on.

It's sickening how people would support that kind of restriction on free speech.

[franky]

Basic Rules

501(c)(3)

Organizational requirement

Assets must be dedicated to charitable purposes

Social activities must be insubstantial

Legislative activity must be insubstantial, or <20% if election made

Absolute prohibition against political activity

Must serve public purposes

Donations are deductible as charitable contributions by donors on their tax returns

Eligible for low cost non-profit bulk mailing permit

Must take care to generate enough public support to avoid classification as a private foundation

Exempt from Federal income tax unless the organization has unrelated business income