Policy Update

IRS and Church's Anti-war Sermon; Internet Campaign Finance Law

11/15/2005

Source: OMB Watch

IRS Audits Church for Anti-War Sermon
The pastor of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, CA announced earlier this week that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is conducting a formal examination of the church's tax-exempt status, due to an anti-war, anti-poverty sermon delivered two days before the 2004 presidential election.

Conservative and liberal religious organizations alike have criticized the IRS action, which they see as further evidence of an emerging trend -- beginning with last year's audit of the NAACP -- to treat criticism of incumbents on issues as partisan electoral activity.
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/3167/1/403

House Rejects Bi-Partisan Effort to Shield Internet from Campaign Finance Laws
In a surprising vote, the House rejected a bipartisan effort to shield online communications from the strictures of campaign finance reform laws.
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/3172/1/403