Kentucky pastor told flock to vote out Obama

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Dylan Lovan

Story Created: Tue May 22, 2012 3:25 PM

Story Updated: Tue May 22, 2012 3:28 PM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A Washington-based watchdog group says an eastern Kentucky Baptist pastor violated federal law when he urged his followers to vote President Barack Obama out of office in November.

Pastor Ronnie Spriggs of Hager Hill Freewill Baptist Church said during a May 13 sermon that he wants Obama voted out of office because of the president's support of gay marriage. Spriggs said "this country can't afford that kind of ideology."

Americans United for Separation of Church and State says Spriggs' comments violate a federal law that says tax-exempt churches should not oppose a candidate.

Executive Director Barry Lynn says Spriggs "clearly doesn't care what the law says."

Spriggs did not return phone calls to his home and office. A video of the sermon was streamed on the Johnson County church's website.

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