In Virginia, a political ad featuring Vice President Kamala Harris is being aired in hundreds of churches as she urges viewers to vote for Terry McAuliffe for governor. But is the ad legally allowed to be shown in places of worship? Some say the clear answer is "no."
The advertisement, shown in churches over the weekend, was first obtained by CNN and is set to be aired in 300 churches from Oct. 17 through Nov. 2.
The video begins with Harris sharing her own experience with faith growing up as a child. She shared that she would sing hymns about “how faith combined with determination will see us through difficult times.”
Harris’ campaign video is one of many efforts being made by Democrats to bring Black voters out in support of McAuliffe, who has been slipping in recent polls against Republican Glenn Youngkin, the New York Post reported.
However, the video is raising questions on its legality as there are rules set by the Internal Revenue Service that prevent churches and charities from getting involved in political campaigns, the Post reported.
The law, approved by Congress in 1954, prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations from “engaging in any political campaign activity.”
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According to the IRS website, “the law prohibits political campaign activity by charities and churches by defining a 501(c)(3) organization as one ‘which does not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.’”
The ad is being criticized by the Secular Coalition for America, who said it is an “inappropriate mixing of government, politics, and religion.”
Several politicians in the area have shared their thoughts about Harris’ video, some calling it ironic based on what she supports.
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Church leaders have also been vocal about the situation, as Pastor Dr. Darrell Scott shared his thoughts on Twitter.
There has been no comment made from The White House or IRS on the situation.
