Are churches allowed to advocate for/against a ballot question?

[sniffa]

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/10/30/ministers_urging_a_question_2_defeat/

[upi402]

1. Remove their tax exemption now!

That's how I feel at this point.

[sniffa]

6. I feel the same way

I disagree with their stance - both for selfish reasons and because I've seen with my own eyes too many times black/minority kids getting arrested for possession (and no, never in addition to a more violent crime as is claimed by the ministers).

[thraxis]

14. If they are required to pay taxes, they will become a political force

larger and stronger than can be imagined.

[Realityhack]

15. On what grounds exactly?

They are allowed to voice opinions on issues. Just not on candidates or parties. So AFAIK it is perfectly valid for them to advocate for or against a particular ballot initiative.

[SoCalNative]

2. Yes

the only prohibitions on 501C3's regarding politics is that they may not lobby for or endorse a particular party or individual candidate.

[sniffa]

8. That shouldn't be right

I think it not only violates the spirit of separation, I think there are so many questions that draw out a certain segment of a certain base.

[AlCzervik]

3. Vintage Park Community Church in South Sac has a "Yes on 8" sign on their lawn

and on their church sign out front. I still don't know if it's legal or not. I've emailed them and called them---nothing.



http://www.vpcchurch.org/contact.htm

[LeftyMom]

18. Churches are allowed to advocate for/against propositions.

It's dreadfully tacky, but legal.

[AllieB]

4. I would think that it would violate their IRS status.

What if they were in CA advocating 'Yes on 8'? Same thing.

[AlCzervik]

5. see my post right above yours.

[SoCalNative]

10. No IRS Rules

To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

Organizations described in section 501(c)(3) are commonly referred to as charitable organizations. Organizations described in section 501(c)(3), other than testing for public safety organizations, are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions in accordance with Code section 170.

The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization's net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. If the organization engages in an excess benefit transaction with a person having substantial influence over the organization, an excise tax may be imposed on the person and any organization managers agreeing to the transaction.

Section 501(c)(3) organizations are restricted in how much political and legislative (lobbying) activities they may conduct. For a detailed discussion, see Political and Lobbying Activities. For more information about lobbying activities by charities, see the article Lobbying Issues; for more information about political activities of charities, see the FY-2002 CPE topic Election Year Issues.


http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=9...

[justiceischeap]

7. Depends on if they're using a PAC to do it from

Some churches set-up PACS. Also, some churches don't have non-profit status, so they too can advocate.

[Canuckistanian]

9. Ballot questions shouldn't be exempt

What part of the "establishment clause" do they no get?

[sniffa]

11. Indeed

:thumbsup:

[SoCalNative]

12. What if the ballot question

would directly affect religious institutions?

[Canuckistanian]

13. Then it's a matter for the courts

It should NOT be fought in the political arena.

The ballot initiative should have been ruled illegal.

[pnwmom]

17. What part of freedom of speech and free exercise of religion don't you get? n/t

[spoony]

19. If they finally just tax the churches...

what will some people whinge about all day on DU?

[pnwmom]

16. Yes. They have freedom of speech.

What if it was a referendum to eliminate the death penalty? Would you still say they shouldn't be able to say "thou shalt not kill"?

[JVS]

20. If they weren't, then the government would put any issue where churches are critical of them...

on the ballots.

1960, deep south "Quiet down MLK, this civil rights stuff is on the ballot, your church is getting taxed"

Similarly, if Abortion comes up as an issue, you can't expect the RCC to suddenly have no opinion on the matter.