State officials: diocese can’t collect funds for marriage initiative

August 29, 2012

Citing state finance laws, the State of Washington’s Public Disclosure Commission has ruled that parishes in the Diocese of Yakima cannot hold a special collection on behalf of Preserve Marriage Washington. The organization is urging the state’s voters to support the traditional definition of marriage in a November referendum.

“Under state law, no one can be an intermediary for a contribution,” said Loli Anderson of the Public Disclosure Commission. “It doesn't matter if it's a loose pile of money or if each is in a little envelope.”

Anderson said that it would be legal for parishes to distribute preaddressed envelopes to parishioners, who in turn could send donations to Preserve Marriage Washington.

 

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Further information:

• Catholic churches can't collect donations to overturn gay marriage law, Washington state rules (AP)