Written by Don Byrd
A bill proposed in the House of Representatives tries to protect nonprofit organizations, including religious groups from IRS or other government scrutiny for discriminating against same-sex spouses. The Supreme Court’s ruled this summer requiring the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages. The ramifications of that opinion for agency decisions across the federal government are not yet fully known.
The Washington Post has more:
Asked if he had any evidence of government-backed discrimination against religious or conservative groups opposing same-sex marriages, [Idaho Representative and bill author Raul] Labrador cited a California bill that would revoke the tax-exempt status of the Boy Scouts unless they permit gay people to become scout leaders. He also cited comments by Democratic lawmakers, who have said that groups who don’t recognize gay marriages should lose their tax-exempt status.
“I see it coming, it’s already happening at the state level and you’re hearing rhetoric at the federal level,” Labrador said.
The First Amendment already provides significant protection for churches and religious organizations against government discrimination. Government cannot target religious groups, treat them differently than other groups, or interfere with protected free exercise. Is that enough?
