Check out the ALL logo in the corner!
U.S. tax code limits the political activities of 501(3)c organizations–basically, non-profits can’t participate directly in political campaigns, nor are they allowed to use a large percentage of their funds for lobbying activities.
The American Life League (ALL) has been caught doing just that. Clearly visible in the corner of the anti-healthcare reform sign (above) is the ALL logo.
Of course, the technicalities of the IRS code and the specifics of the ALL case will likely be sorted out in court. They may not ever be found guilty of anything.
I am brining it to the attention of our readers because finding loopholes and engaging in behaviors that push the limits of the law are an art form the pro-life movement has perfected over the years.
Things like harassing clinic workers, distributing propaganda, promoting legislation on the sly (think California’s PROP 8), even when the legal (and ethical) aspects of their tactics have been called out–well, lets just say its a pattern with them.
And its up to you and I to keep an eye on them, and to publicize the cases that come to our attention.
Should their anti-healthcare reform activities be found to be in violation of the IRS code, it could bring them down. That’s how they got Capone, after all.
Great article, Mrs. M – except for the phrase “pro-life.” These terrorists are not pro-life. Period.
Indeed, you are correct. The “pro-life” movement is only in favor of protecting what they see as “innocent” life–sperm, people like Terry Schivo, etc. They aren’t interested in protecting the lives of women, clinic workers, military personnel, inmates given the death penalty (whether they were wrongly convicted or not!), etc.
Planned Parenthood is a non-profit. It lobbies extensively too doesn’t it? I don’t understand the rules. Planned Parenthood is a big political advocate for choice and that involves lobbying right? So I assume Planned Parenthood lobbies a lot too, even though it’s a non-profit.
J.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America is a 501c3, which is not allowed to do any sort of lobbying. Planned Parenthood Advocacy Network is a 501c4, which IS allowed to lobby and endorse candidates.