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Location: In a little house on the prairie - literally
10,202 posts, read 7,928,903 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vizio
Wonder when FFRF was put in charge by anyone that cared? There is nothing unconstitutional about someone endorsing a candidate.
There is if that person is acting on behalf of his/her church or ministry that has 501(c)(3) status. The superintendent clearly stated who he was associated with. That makes it subject to sanctions.
There is no constitutional ban on pastors or anyone commenting on a political issue. But there is one that says that Congress should stay out of our religion. Funny how that got turned around over the last 200 years.
I agree. Totally constitutional. But if you do, you forfeit your tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Congress created the Code and section 501(c)(3). Go lobby your legislator if you don't like it.
I happen to think it's a great requirement.
Oh, and I see nothing wrong with anyone encouraging a federal agency to enforce federal law.
I don't think most church members would care one way or the other whether they are tax exempt but I do think the government is overstepping in telling anyone what they can or cannot say from the pulpit.
They can say what they want. But if they are engaging in specific political rhetoric, they should be taxed.
Wonder when FFRF was put in charge by anyone that cared? There is nothing unconstitutional about someone endorsing a candidate.
The issue isn't that someone endorsed a candidate. The issue is that a person using their non-profit 501(c)(3) to endorse a political candidate is not allowed. This non-profit did not just magically become a 501(c)(3) somehow. They intentionally went through a specific process in order to become a 501(c)(3). And they agreed in writing to follow the rules thereof.
Now if the non-profit wishes to endorse political candidates and is willing to give up their 501(c)(3) status to do so, there's no problem.
The issue isn't that someone endorsed a candidate. The issue is that a person using their non-profit 501(c)(3) to endorse a political candidate is not allowed. This non-profit did not just magically become a 501(c)(3) somehow. They intentionally went through a specific process in order to become a 501(c)(3). And they agreed in writing to follow the rules thereof.
Now if the non-profit wishes to endorse political candidates and is willing to give up their 501(c)(3) status to do so, there's no problem.
You are exactly correct, in every respect.
Of course, some posters here will consider this...*gasp*...The Attack on Christianity!!!
"See how people mock us and treat us so terribly?!?!? We didn't get more special status and get what we wanted every which way, because of Jesus! Next they'll be storming into our churches and taking our children!"
They can say what they want. But if they are engaging in specific political rhetoric, they should be taxed.
I am no defender of religion, God knows. What they have done to Christ's Gospel is unconscionable. But sorry, speech is speech and it is protected, especially political speech. If the Church is NOT using its MONEY to advertise for a political candidate, their money is NOT involved and cannot be touched. Taxation is a law and they cannot make any laws respecting a religion or the practice thereof.
I am no defender of religion, God knows. What they have done to Christ's Gospel is unconscionable. But sorry, speech is speech and it is protected, especially political speech. If the Church is NOT using its MONEY to advertise for a political candidate, their money is NOT involved and cannot be touched. Taxation is a law and they cannot make any laws respecting a religion or the practice thereof.
Does that mean the the government cannot make a law that allows for religious exceptions in the tax code?
I am no defender of religion, God knows. What they have done to Christ's Gospel is unconscionable. But sorry, speech is speech and it is protected, especially political speech. If the Church is NOT using its MONEY to advertise for a political candidate, their money is NOT involved and cannot be touched. Taxation is a law and they cannot make any laws respecting a religion or the practice thereof.
Quote:
Originally Posted by badlander
Does that mean the the government cannot make a law that allows for religious exceptions in the tax code?
No, it precludes the government from making tax law applicable to religions.
I am no defender of religion, God knows. What they have done to Christ's Gospel is unconscionable. But sorry, speech is speech and it is protected, especially political speech. If the Church is NOT using its MONEY to advertise for a political candidate, their money is NOT involved and cannot be touched. Taxation is a law and they cannot make any laws respecting a religion or the practice thereof.
I'm too tired to post links or segments of laws concerning the governing rules of 501c3s, but this church is one, went to effort to become one, and agreed to follow certain proscriptions. One of these involves using tax exempt property as places from which to endorse a specific candidate or party, whether money is involved or not.
I run a 501c3. Library Director. We cannot, for example, rent our community meeting room, nor allow it to be used for, political groups of any kind.
In short, yes, a preacher can say "well, we all know who to vote for" or promote party affiliation, etc. But not while legally or ethically retaining their 501c3 status. They don't get special treatment because they believe in gods and angels.
Don`t see these hate group which oppose religions go after the secular charities which are government subsidized , like family planning who lobby their candidate to be elected
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