Idaho leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter to bishops and stake presidents to read from the pulpit opposing a state ballot initiative on abortion, and a legal tax expert says it's within the Church's rights, NPR Utah reports.

The expert cited IRS rules allowing churches to take positions on ballot measures as long as they do not endorse or oppose candidates for office. The Church has previously addressed moral and policy questions through pulpit communications, including same-sex marriage and medical marijuana.

The letter directs members to oppose Proposition 1, Idaho's reproductive freedom initiative. The Church's political activity on ballot measures has historically avoided direct candidate endorsements, staying within tax-exempt guidelines.