The Hoplophobic Iowa Methodists

While reviewing HF2012 I looked up the lobbyists declarations and counted a half dozen "Against" declarations from people representing the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Currently children 14 and under must be under supervision of someone at least 21 years old while in possession of a pistol or revolver, or ammunition that can be used in a pistol or revolver. HF 2012 would lower the age to 12.

Apparently the Methodists don't care for that.

I think it would be best if the parents decided what age is appropriate but I think the motivation behind this legislation is to reduce prosecutions if a 14 year old kid is in their home alone and a handgun is somewhere in the house.

What is the motivations behind the Methodists?

In their 2013 Book of Resolutions the conference thinks a good idea to reinstate the so-called "Assault Weapon Ban".  

9337 Reinstate Ban of Assault Weapons(1995, 2005)

WHEREAS: The ban on assault weapons has expired;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Iowa Annual Conference calls upon the United States Congress to reinstate the ban on the sale of assault weapons and not to weaken or overturn the Brady Gun Control Law.

REVIEW BY: Board of Church and Society

 And they are against private sales of firearms by supporting getting rid of the misnamed "Gun Show Loophole"

9336. Gun Show Loophole(2003)

WHEREAS: A loophole in federal law allows firearm transfers between unlicensed individuals without a background check or record of sales (secondary sales), and 30-40% offirearm sales are estimated to take place at secondary markets, andWHEREAS: The majority of secondary sales occur at gun shows, allowing persons in prohibited categories to purchase guns without a background check or record of sale; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Iowa Annual Conference urges the Iowa

General Assembly to support the following requirements: 

a) that firearm sales between unlicensed individuals at gun shows be conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer to meet all federal and state laws, i.e., background check and sale recorded on federal form 4473; 

b) that the gun show promoter shall provide one or more federally - licensed gun dealers to conduct said background checks on the premises;

c) that these requirements shall apply to any part of the transaction taking place at a gun show. (It shall be illegal for someone to make an offer to purchase a firearm from an unlicensed individual, then take possession off - site); and

d) that violators are committing an aggravated misdemeanor.

REVIEW BY: Board of Church and Society

Am I incorrect in the assumption that tax-exempt organizations aren't supposed to be involved in political activity lest they lose such status?