$2 million deficit for anti-gay marriage group NOM

Fri. November 22, 2013 8:56 AM by Wisconsin Gazette

the national organization for marriage

Washington, D.C. - The National Organization for Marriage, the nonprofit that for years has lead the campaign against marriage equality in the United States, is ending 2013 facing big political losses and a $2 million deficit.

The Human Rights Campaign reported on Nov. 19 that NOM's latest financial documents show the organization ending the year "in the red," with roughly a $2 million dollar deficit. Three donors accounted for two-thirds of NOM's funding. HRC, the nation's largest gay civil rights group, said in a news release that this is "further evidence that everyday Americans have little interest in furthering NOM's extremist agenda."

HRC said a 990 form provided by the National Organization for Marriage Education Fund shows the charitable group loaning the lobbying-political group NOM about $1.7 million. HRC said the loan raises a question: Can the charity loan the political group money without violating its tax-exempt status?

HRC obtained the documents after filing a federal complaint with the IRS, pointing out that federal law requires organizations to release their 990s the same day an in-person request is made — which HRC did late last week.

"It's becoming increasingly difficult to look at the so-called National Organization for Marriage as a viable entity," said Fred Sainz, HRC's vice president of communications. "The organization draws its funds from just a few mega-donors and it boasts a losing electoral track record over the past few years that reflects how increasingly out-of-step NOM's anti-LGBT agenda is with the values of the average American voter."

HRC said the documents show that NOM spent nearly $5.7 million last year on its unsuccessful efforts to block marriage equality in the states — specifically in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington and to oust Iowa justices who upheld equality.

NOM was established in 2007 and played a role in the effort to pass Proposition 8 in California. The ballot initiative, which defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman in the state, has since been overturned.

Article provided in partnership with Wisconsin Gazette.

 

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