Brother Knights,

Over the past month, I have received several questions about whether a candidate for political office may speak at a council or assembly meeting.

If a candidate intends to promote his or her candidacy, solicit support or votes, or engage in any form of electioneering, the answer is no—the candidate may not speak at the meeting.

To maintain its tax-exempt status, Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies must comply with IRS rules and remain strictly non-partisan. Failure to follow these rules may put its tax-exempt status at risk.

Below is a summary of the relevant guidelines from the Officers' Desk Reference.  Please refer to the Officers' Desk Reference for complete details.

Not Allowed:

• Councils and assemblies may not engage in partisan politics.
• Councils and assemblies may not host any person who holds or is running for elective office if that person uses the event as a platform for electioneering.
• Councils and assemblies may not host such individuals if they promote their own candidacy or solicit political support.
• Councils, assemblies, and members may not use the name or emblem of the Knights of Columbus to support any candidate.
• The Pastor must expressly approve any events held at the Church Parish if the event concerns a person holding or running for elective office.
• Councils and assemblies may not provide a forum, advertise, or fund any partisan political activities (such as rallies, debates, or campaign events).
• Councils and assemblies should not invite persons—especially public officials or candidates—who support abortion or advocate for assisted suicide or euthanasia.

Allowed:

• Councils and assemblies may host a person holding or running for elective office only if the individual speaks in a strictly nonpartisan manner on general issues, matters of public interest, or the Catholic faith, and does not engage in political campaigning.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued commitment to upholding the principles of our Order.

Vivat Jesus!

Mark Carver
State Advocate
Louisiana State Council
Knights of Columbus

Maintaining order for the good of the Order.