Once again the self-anointed Christians and opponents of same sex marriage - like maggie Gallagher (pictured at left) who is making a nice living promoting homophobia - seem to be demonstrating that they care nothing for the truth or compliance with election laws and requirements for reporting the source of donations. These "godly Christians" want to "protect marriage" but lack the courage of their convictions - thus they bundle contributions and submit them through front organizations so that anti-gay bigots can remain anonymous. In my opinion, this situation is part and parcel of the constant lies and false information knowingly disseminated by the professional Christians and "family values" organizations which deem themselves exempt from the Commandment against lying and civil law requirements that aim to keep political donors honest by revealing all but the smallest of contributions. Dirigo Blue has highlights on this latest Christianist hypocrisy:*
A California-based gay rights group has filed a complaint with Maine's campaign oversight agency against groups pushing for a people's veto vote in November on Maine's new gay marriage law. Californians Against Hate founder Fred Karger filed a complaint with the ethics commission asking for an investigation into what he alleges is illegal fundraising reporting. Karger says the groups are contributing to the Stand for Marriage campaign without reporting the names of their donors.
*Mr. Karger points to a few factual circumstances which could be relevant to whether a violation has occurred: NOM is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization that is roughly two years old. Based on the information that is presently available to the Commission staff, it appears that NOM has contributed at least $250,000 to the Stand for Marriage Maine PAC. This is a large amount of funding, which could suggest that NOM solicited and received funds for the purpose of initiating the referendum.
*As Mr. Karger has noted, the March 2009 solicitations from NOM promise its donors anonymity: "[P]lease make the most generous donation you can to help us keep these important ads on the air. Use this hyperlink to make a secure online donation. And unlike in California, every dollar you give to NOM's Northeast Action Plan today is private, with no risk of harassment from gay marriage protestors."
*All PACs are required to report the names and addresses of contributors who have given more than $50 to the PAC. (21-A M.R.S.A. § 1060(6)) In addition, under 21-A M.R.S.A. §§ 1004(3) and 1004-A(3), it is illegal for a PAC to knowingly accept a contribution made by one person in the name of another person.
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Mr. Karger alleges that "the four funders of Stand for Marriage Maine are merely conduits for those wishing to hide their contributions. These entities are laundering money to evade the disclosure of the actual contributors to Stand for Marriage Maine." (Aug. 24, 2009 letter, at 1) If true, these allegations might constitute violations of 21-A M.R.S.A. § 1060(6), 1004(3) and 1004-A(3).
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Mr. Karger alleges that "the four funders of Stand for Marriage Maine are merely conduits for those wishing to hide their contributions. These entities are laundering money to evade the disclosure of the actual contributors to Stand for Marriage Maine." (Aug. 24, 2009 letter, at 1) If true, these allegations might constitute violations of 21-A M.R.S.A. § 1060(6), 1004(3) and 1004-A(3).
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It must be nice to be a "godly Christian" exempt from prohibitions against lying and compliance with campaign contribution laws. Again I ask the question of why these alleged Christians always act in the most un-Christian ways with no regard for the truth?
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