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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The anti-polygamy organization Tapestry Against Polygamy has never registered with the state Division of Consumer Protection as a nonprofit organization.
Vicky Prunty, who with Rowenna Erickson founded Tapestry in 1998, said Wednesday she was unaware of the state filing requirement and will "file those documents as soon as possible."
"What we have tried to do is alert the public to the crimes that are occurring within polygamy and we're working out of our kitchens to do it," Prunty said. "Because we don't have an office manager or receptionist, some of those things may not have been taken care of."
The IRS requires nonprofits to file a 990 tax form if it collects more than $25,000. Tapestry last filed in 2001, but hasn't reached the reporting limit since then, Prunty said.
Any person or group soliciting public donations is required to file an application with the state, and, if approved, submit annual financial reports.
On June 23, the consumer division wrote a letter giving Tapestry 10 days to comply with the law, said Francine Giani, division director. Tapestry no longer uses its former business address, and Prunty said she had not seen the letter.
According to its IRS filings, Tapestry received $81,191 in donations between 1999 and 2001 and spent $2,336 on "refugee support" in 2000-2001. Prunty said Tapestry received another $71,000 from 2002 to the present and about $9,235 of that was spent on refugee support, adding that she could not account for other expenditures on short notice.
Most of the assistance the group offers is putting people in touch with social service providers and attorneys. It has on occasion given cash assistance, but "we don't generally give people money," Prunty said.
Prunty, Tapestry's executive director, received $8,330 over 2000-2001, according to the filings.
Prunty and Erickson say they were mistreated when they were in their polygamous relationships.
They have been highly critical of institutions they feel have done too little in behalf of people they say have been abused in polygamous relationships.
Tapestry has been particularly critical of Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and his Safe Passage Program to bring social services to polygamous groups. Tapestry refused to join the program's Safety Net Committee because it includes individuals who support polygamy.
Tapestry also claims The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has ignored problems caused by polygamy. The church abandoned polygamy in 1890 and excommunicates any members who practice it.
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
