Get out of my bedroom, Mr Monson!

Mormons enter Calif. marriage fight

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is asking California members to join the effort to amend that state's constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.

A letter sent to Mormon bishops and signed by church president Thomas S. Monson and his two top counselors calls on Mormons to donate "means and time" to the ballot measure. A note on the letter dated June 20 says it should be read during church services June 29, but the letter was published Saturday on several Web sites. (thanks to Gay.com)
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So, apparently the new LDS prez does not yet realize he's in the 21st Century with the rest of us.... You'd think he'd bring an open mind, a loving heart and some basic human decency and understanding to his new post. BUT NO! Not a chance -- he's going after my friends and trying to influence legislation outside of his own state -- here in California.

Wait a minute.... Aren't there certain legal responsibilities churches must take on in order to remain tax exempt? Why, yes Todd, there are. So, what does the tax code say about this? Why, it says:

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Exemption Requirements
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. (thanks to IRS.gov) <<< [never thought I'd have an occasion to put THAT in print...!]
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So, mind your manners, mind your decency and MIND THE LAW, Monson! Do NOT think you are somehow immune (or protected by your holy underwear) from the laws of this country. And, please: stay tucked away in Utah where you may influence as many sheep as you like. Stay out of MY state's legislation and out of MY bedroom (unless I invite you there)!

- T