New York Times Columnist: ‘Time To End Tax Exemptions for Religious Institutions’

http://time.com/3939143/nows-the-time-to-end-tax-exemptions-for-religious-institutions/ ^ | 6/28/15

[Nachum]

From Mark Oppenheimer in Time:

Two weeks ago, with a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges on the way, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) 100% of Utah introduced the First Amendment Defense Act, which ensures that religious institutions won’t lose their tax exemptions if they don’t support same-sex marriage. Liberals tend to think Sen. Lee’s fears are unwarranted, and they can even point to Justice Anthony Kennedy’s opinion in Friday’s case, which promises “that religious organizations and persons [will be] given proper protection.”

But I don’t think Sen. Lee is crazy. In the 1983 Bob Jones University case, the court ruled that a school could lose tax-exempt status if its policies violated “fundamental national public policy.” So far, the Bob Jones reasoning hasn’t been extended to other kinds of discrimination, but someday it could be. I’m a gay-rights supporter who was elated by Friday’s Supreme Court decision — but I honor Sen. Lee’s fears.

I don’t, however, like his solution. And he’s not going to like mine. Rather than try to rescue tax-exempt status for organizations that dissent from settled public policy on matters of race or sexuality, we need to take a more radical step. It’s time to abolish, or greatly diminish, their tax-exempt statuses.

[Bryanw92]

>>It’s hard to argue that Joel Osteen isn’t making a profit.

It’s harder to argue that Joel Osteen’s organization is a church. It’s just a New Age temple.

[abb]

The typical African American church derives most of its revenue from its dual status as a conduit for government social service dollars. What’s left in its budget it funded by donors far less likely to itemize deductions. It usually occupies low value real estate.

Also, they deal in cash, and keep no records. You'd be shocked how many blacks don't have checking accounts. Hard to collect for back taxes if there's nothing written down.

[boycott]

We could go Alynsky on them.

[bjorn14]

IIRC, some activies that do generate income are taxable i.e. aroebics class, books, etc.

[bjorn14]

Well, Jesus predicted this.”In the end times men’s hearts will go grow cold.”

[csivils]

Joel olsteen makes his money from book sales. I don’t know the tax status of Lakewood, but the closest mega-church to me is Champions forest. I heard that they gave up their tax exempt status so they Could preach on whatever they wanted too.

[jsanders2001]

> We could go Alynsky on them.

Its past time. But using the truth. Alinsky’s rules are almost all based on using lies and deception. I’ve noticed that when objective truth is used aginst their arguments it exposes their lies and motives. I also think its time to stop being reactive and go proactive on multiple fronts at once. Let them stay busy for a change.

[boycott]

I agree with being radical.

[jsanders2001]

> Will this affect Southern Baptist churches? How about synagogues? Mosques?

My prediction. The IRS will never see one dime of taxes collected from a mosque. Period. In fact their status and classification as a non-profit religious organization might be the only reason churches aren’t being taxed at this point. If we see the IRS open up a new classification system to differentiate the religious organizations into separate pigeonholes that might be what is afoot tho.

[Political Junkie Too]

So the equal protection clause that gave rise to gay marriage will not give equal protection to religions? And the uniform taxation requirement will not be uniform?

-PJ

[CPT Clay]

Muslims, what say you?

[AppyPappy]

The Methodist Church has lobbyists.

[cincinnati65]

I could only accept this if they ended “non-profit” statuses for all these institutions (not just religious-based) once and for all. Eliminate “tax-exempt”. Of course, the left will never do that, because of the greens, minorities, pansexuality (ex-hetersexual), and every other “noble” non-religious cause that pays for all their parties.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

***Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar***

it’s one thing to pay the tax to Caesar, and another to eat of the sacrifices to god Caesar.

[Mike Darancette]

Do you think that over 50% of black voters are living off free stuff? I don’t see where the Democrats can promise anyone more stuff.

[BwanaNdege]

it’s one thing to pay the tax to Caesar, and another to eat of the sacrifices to god Caesar.

Please explain how this applies to churches loosing their tax exempt status.

[Rodamala]

Wow! We didn't see that coming!

</sarc>

[Rodamala]

What is the “FB” you speak of?

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

Read early church history on what happened to those who still paid taxes but refused to eat of the sacrifices to god Caesar.

[central_va]

Most of the time it is impossible to tell a gay person from straight. I think all homos should be made to wear an armband so as to self identify. That we we straights won't mistake them for something they're not and say anything that might offend.