Tax-Exempt Churches and Political Signs

Can a church place a sign opposing a gay marriage referendum outside their building, on their property? The sign is an official one from the anti-equality side. I've already filled out the IRS complaint form, but want to make sure that the church is in the wrong before I send it in.

• yes, they can. Churches are dis-allowed from endorsing candidates, per their IRS tax-exempt charter.

• What's the difference between that and "Jesus Saves" or any other religious "opinion" they might have?

• 2 churches in my neighborhood had pro-gay marriage signs up during the Amendment 1 fight here in NC. Bless their hearts. Asheville is a pretty liberal city especially considering the ancient hate monger Billy Graham lives here.

• All the churches in my neighborhood in Baltimore have pro-gay marriage signs outside. One has a rainbow flag hanging above their front door.

• Yes, churches can advocate on any issue it wants. They are only precluded from endorsing a particular candidate, but they are free to advocate on issues.

• They cannot take a stance in a political campaign (either a candidate or a referendum). I have reported the local Assembly of God church for putting political endorsements on their Church sign as well as for putting ads in their newsletter.

• R6, they are only prohibited from participating in political campaigns for or against candidates (i.e., people seeking office), not issues.

  http://www.irs.gov/Charities-%26-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501%28c%29%283%29-Tax-Exempt-Organizations

• There is no separation of Church and Stats in the USA. It is all semantics. US Evangelical Christians have more power per person, than any other Religion in the world today.