California uses control of tax-exemption as a means to further youth equality
Several monthsago, a California committee approved legislation that would revoke tax-exemptstatus of nonprofit organizations that fail to “embrace homosexuality.” SenateBill 323 prevents “an organization that is a public charity youth organizationthat discriminates on the basis of gender identity, race, sexual orientation,nationally, religion, or religious affiliating” from enjoying exemption fromCalifornia state taxes.
To keep theirtax-exempt status, youth organizations must subscribe to provisions,coined “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” guidelines. The organizationsnamed in the legislation include Little League, Boy Scouts, YMCA, and YWCA.
Opponents of thelegislation argue that the proposed law is a “blatant use of extortion” andholds “nonprofit groups financially hostage” and tramples individualorganizations’ First Amendment rights.
Are theopponents correct? What issues are there with “public charity youth organizations”failing to embrace homosexuality while enjoying First Amendment protection andstate tax-exemption?
http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=8561173
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