Other than serving as a vehicle to enrich Maggie Gallagher (at right) and Brian Brown, the sole purpose of the National Organization for Marriage ("NOM") is to elect (or defeat) political candidates and to lobby for and effect legislation. Given this reality, I keep asking myself, where the Hell is the IRS and why hasn't NOM's tax-exempt status been revoked? Yes, NOM has a PAC, but if one puts form over substance, NOM in no way should be a tax exempt entity. Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code provides in relevant part that in order to be tax exempt an entity:*
[N]o substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting, to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided in subsection (h)), and which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.
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Excuse me, but the entire mission of NOM is to do exactly what is forbidden. WTF is going on? Has Rick Warren interceded with Obama to protect NOM. It truly makes no sense whatsoever, that NOM is not being hit as a taxable enterprise. Especially given the private inurement accruing to Ms. Gallagher and Mr. Brown. Here are highlights from HRC Backstory on NOM's latest improper efforts to influence elections and political candidates:
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The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which has a history of trying to defeat pro-equality state candidates in Iowa, this week reported spending more than $235,000 on a television ad that targets three justices on the Iowa Supreme Court who were part of a unanimous 2009 decision ruling that the equal protection provision of the Iowa Constitution guarantees gay and lesbian couples the same right to marry as heterosexual couples.
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NOM joined the American Family Association, referred to as “among the most vigilant and vicious and anti-gay activists operating today” by the Right-Wing Watch, in supporting the efforts of the AFA-affiliated Iowa for Freedom. Led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Vander Plaats, Iowa for Freedom has targeted three Supreme Court justices facing a judicial retention election in November.
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Why are Christianist organizations receiving special rights and retaining tax exempt status when other groups would quickly lose their exempt status if they did a fraction of whar NOM, FRC and other professional Christian organizations do?
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The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which has a history of trying to defeat pro-equality state candidates in Iowa, this week reported spending more than $235,000 on a television ad that targets three justices on the Iowa Supreme Court who were part of a unanimous 2009 decision ruling that the equal protection provision of the Iowa Constitution guarantees gay and lesbian couples the same right to marry as heterosexual couples.
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NOM joined the American Family Association, referred to as “among the most vigilant and vicious and anti-gay activists operating today” by the Right-Wing Watch, in supporting the efforts of the AFA-affiliated Iowa for Freedom. Led by former Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Vander Plaats, Iowa for Freedom has targeted three Supreme Court justices facing a judicial retention election in November.
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Why are Christianist organizations receiving special rights and retaining tax exempt status when other groups would quickly lose their exempt status if they did a fraction of whar NOM, FRC and other professional Christian organizations do?
3 comments:
Where are the comments.
I have finally I think worked out the password thing to be able to post comments, but,
Just a nice one here from your biggest fan in the Loire Valley, to let you know that I read faithfully each day and am very appreciative to find your voice here.
This may seem silly, but in the face of all this news, if you and your partner have not seen the film "Big Eden" do so at once...it is a "what if" film about our people and will make you both feel(I hope) as good as your blog makes me feel.
With love, Tim
Have you filed a complaint with the IRS? I have, it's a fairly simple two page form.
I suppose if they get enough of them, they have to at least do an audit.
Have you filed a complaint with the IRS? I have. It's a fairly simple form.
I suspect if they get enough complaints, they will eventually at least have to do an audit.
Get all your readers, here and at Bilerico, to file a complaint.
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