The LDS church contributed a significant amount of money and effort to endorse PROP 8 in California via its network of church, media, and community outlets enshrining discrimination under the law for thousands of Californians and their families.
"In general, no organization, including a church, may qualify for IRC section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying)."
See:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdfThe Latter-Day Saints (LDS) church contributed a significant amount of money and effort to endorse PROP 8 in California via its network of church, media, and community outlets enshrining discrimination under the law for thousands of Californians and their families.
This initiative will cause great emotional and financial harm to thousands of California couples and their families who will not enjoy spousal rights under the law as granted different-sexed married couples.
In exchange for their legislative efforts, the LDS church's tax-exempt status should be revoked by the IRS.
"In general, no organization, including a church, may qualify for IRC section 501(c)(3) status if a substantial part of its activities is attempting to influence legislation (commonly known as lobbying)."
(See:
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1828.pdf)
I believe the church's involvement in YES ON 8 is in violation of Federal Tax code.
Another example is the influence by church leaders in the 1996 same-sex initiative in Hawaii (see:
http://www.lds-mormon.com/article9.shtml) and the 1998 same-sex marriage initiative in Alaska. (see:
http://www.lds-mormon.com/gaylds.shtml )
The petition has nothing to do with the tenets of the church itself but only in the context of contributing funds, providing a de facto bully pulpit, and motivating satellite churches across state lines to influence key political processes and outcomes.
Your prompt attention to these serious violations of the tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status is greatly appreciated.
