[swooner]

I find it offensive that a Church within the confines of The Villages is allowed to have a large sign on their premises urging a NO vote on amendment #4. How can that be allowed when the rest of us can’t post a for sale sign in our yards?

[Bogie Shooter]

Have you heard of deed restrictions?

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by swooner

I find it offensive that a Church within the confines of The Villages is allowed to have a large sign on their premises urging a NO vote on amendment #4. How can that be allowed when the rest of us can’t post a for sale sign in our yards?

As far as I could find, churches in Florida are not permitted to publicly support one candidate over another. However they apparently can show public support of or opposition to political issues.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

As far as I could find, churches in Florida are not permitted to publicly support one candidate over another. However they apparently can show public support of or opposition to political issues.

I think that applies to all states. I have seen the Reverend Al Sharpton take positions on political issues.

[kcrazorbackfan]

You find it offensive? Wow….

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan

You find it offensive? Wow….

It's offensive on 2 levels. a) the advertising and b) taking a political position, given their tax exempt status.

Originally Posted by kcrazorbackfan

"If you see something that’s not right, say something.".

I just did.

[justjim]

I’m pretty sure not all of the parishioners agree with the sign.

[graciegirl]

It is a Roman Catholic Church my dear and I would think that is the opinion of the big boss, the Holy Father, The POPE.

It is all about who is the authority in your life that makes you consider something for or against the rules.

No one who attends the church will have to agree, they will still be welcomed.

[manaboutown]

I am offended the OP is offended.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

It's offensive on 2 levels. a) the advertising and b) taking a political position, given their tax exempt status.

They are following the law so you shouldn’t be offended.

The IRS has published Revenue Ruling 2007-41 PDF, which outlines how churches, and all 501(c)(3) organizations, can stay within the law regarding the ban on political activity. Also, the ban by Congress is on political campaign activity regarding a candidate; churches and other 501(c)(3) organizations can engage in a limited amount of lobbying (including ballot measures) and advocate for or against issues that are in the political arena. The IRS also has provided guidance regarding the difference between advocating for a candidate and advocating for legislation.

[CarlR33]

Been a rough week on TOV for outdoor displays, LOL

[mtdjed]

I am not sure what the Amendment 4 really does. It seems that it is saying Pass a law to prevent a law through a voter referendum. Vote yes or no. I would guess this would be to keep the issue from becoming a legislative decision. Still confused.

Florida Amendment 4, the Right to Abortion Initiative, is on the ballot in Florida as an initiated constitutional amendment on November 5, 2024.

A "yes" vote supports adding the following language to the Florida Constitution’s Declaration of Rights: “… no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.” Amendment 4 would maintain the current constitutional provision that permits a law requiring parents to be notified before a minor can receive an abortion.

A "no" vote opposes amending the Florida Constitution's Declaration of Rights to provide that the state cannot "... prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider."