Re: Questions for candidates

[Karen Sandler <karen gnome org>]

On 2015-05-29 13:54, Richard Stallman wrote:
> Does this not limit the ability of the FSF to campaign against US laws
> > which attack software freedom somewhat?
>
> In practice, the requirement is no difficulty at all.
> We could legally spend up to 10% of our budget on lobbying.
> Even if we did lobbying, we would never do that much of it.
>
> However, what we actually do about these issues is not lobbying.
> Rather, it is outreach to the public.  That 10% limit does not apply
> to outreach to the public.
>
> > > Also, we are not allowed to work for or against specific candidates
> > > for office.
>
> > I think you are correct about this. Am I right in assuming that only
> > applies to political parties in the USA, then?
>
> I don't know -- for that you should check with a lawyer.

As I recall the regs are silent as to whether the restriction on 
endorsing or opposing political candidates is limited to the US. I once 
found some IRS guidance that said that that it is applicable 
internationally too. I would definitely consult a lawyer before any 
United States c3 charity takes on any political activity.

karen