Atheist group sues over tax code

[MaxShimba]

MADISON, Wis. — A federal lawsuit filed by a Wisconsin-based group representing atheists and agnostics argues that the Internal Revenue Service is violating the U.S. Constitution by allowing tax-exempt churches and religious organizations to get involved in political campaigns.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation argues that churches and other religious organizations have become increasingly more involved in political campaigns, "blatantly and deliberately flaunting the electioneering restrictions."

Its lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Madison argues that the IRS is not enforcing the federal tax code, which prohibits tax-exempt religious organizations from electioneering. Not enforcing it is a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment and a violation of equal protection rights because the same preferential treatment is not provided to other tax-exempt organizations such as the Freedom from Religion Foundation, the lawsuit contends.

The lawsuit, which was filed against IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, asks that the court order Shulman to initiate enforcement of the electioneering restrictions against churches and religious organizations.

Read more: Atheist group sues over tax code - MontereyHerald.com :

 

[TUJITEGEMEE]

Wakimaliza hilo wajue ili hapa linawasubiri...


>>>World

 

[Kiranga]

This case has merit with pertinency beyond atheists.

 

[Amoeba]

Wakimaliza hilo wajue ili hapa linawasubiri...


>>>World

Walikuwapo na wataendelea kuwapo!

 

[MaxShimba]

This case has merit with pertinency beyond atheists.

..where are they and how is beyond non-theists?

 

[Kiranga]

..where are they and how is beyond non-theists?

It's beyond atheists, not beyond non-atheists.

And they are whoever the opposition of these religious nuts happen to be, even if it's another sect of religious nuts.

 

[MaxShimba]

It's beyond atheists, not beyond non-atheists.

And they are whoever the opposition of these religious nuts happen to be, even if it's another sect of religious nuts.

...how is it beyond non-theists?

 

[Kiranga]

...how is it beyond non-theists?

It affects everyone who is interested in the political process, atheists, non-atheists etc.

Take the example of a religious organization which is tax exempt, and allies itself with a certain political candidate, and orders equipment billed as to be used for the organization's activities, while truthfully, the equipment is to be used for campaign activities.

Right there you have not only deprived the state coffers of their rightful taxes, but also you have subsidized a political campaign unfairly with government subsidies in essence.

And if the motivation of this religious organization is to stop all candidates supporting the use of condoms for example - which is not far fetched- you end up with not only a government that is deprived it's rightful taxation, and subsidizes unfairly a political campaign, but also it may be doing so - to add insult to injury- to the detriment of it's own public policy against AIDS for example.

I say all religious organizations should be taxed like everyone else to maintain fairness, they are businesses at the core.

Either that or just abolish taxation for all.

Can I claim that business is my religion and process to get tax exemption on the basis of a religious organization?

 

[MaxShimba]

And if the motivation of this religious organization is to stop all candidates supporting the use of condoms for example - which is not far fetched- you end up with not only a government that is deprived it's rightful taxation, and subsidizes unfairly a political campaign, but also it may be doing so - to add insult to injury- to the detriment of it's own public policy against AIDS for example.

Under article 10 of the religious corporations, this is what it says:

1. "No part of the activities of the corporation shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or participating in, or intervening in including the publication or distribution of statements, any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office."

So, the issue here is with the legislation. Why should the religious organizations, such as Church, incorporate? Since the Church is the corporation, the church is now allowed to apply for a cooperative service organization of operating educational organizations under section 501(f). That allows exemption. The Church is the Institution and can provide hospital and medical care pursuant to IRS Code 501(f) part VIII Subsection (17) (20).

So, I don't see any insult since the religious organization does the community work of educating, teaching and providing care.