Spring Break
Religious Groups Must Follow Rules
Editorial
Issue date: 10/16/06 Section: Commentary
Religious liberty has always been a core American value. While America has not been perfect, it has far surpassed other countries with its track record of religious freedom. Contrary to the idea espoused by some that there is a "war on religion" in America, there is reason to believe the American government is showing undue favoritism toward religion in the form of special exemptions from certain laws and regulations and in tax exemptions for what may really be considered luxury items that are not in any way related to the practice of a specific religion.
Although a few exceptions and tax breaks for religious organizations have been around for decades, many exemptions have been granted by the government only within the last fifteen or so years. Consider that church-run childcare programs in some states are not legally required to be licensed by the state and are not held accountable to safety regulations with which secular, non-profit daycares must comply. The same principle also applies to addiction treatment centers and other social services offered by religious groups. It is alarming that the government would put no checks whatsoever on an organization that is entrusted with the care of particularly vulnerable populations, such as children, addicts, and the mentally handicapped. This is not to assume most religious organizations offering these services are nefarious in nature, but rather they should be held accountable to the same standards as are non-religious organizations offering the same services. After all, these regulations are in place specifically to protect the safety and health of those who are being cared for.
Many religious groups are also exempt from zoning laws, and when told to follow the laws, end up taking the state to court and suing. Religious organizations essentially get to make up their own regulations regarding the use of land because when challenged, they will cry religious discrimination. However, there is nothing capricious or discriminatory about expecting all citizens to comply with laws equally applied to everybody. What many religious groups are in fact demanding is special treatment under the law and not religious liberty as they may claim. Additionally, there is the tax-exempt status to consider. This is sometimes abused, as in the case of a Minnesota church that used its status to build a fitness center with a tanning bed and arcade. Such an expenditure of money should not be given tax-exempt status because the gym and tanning bed are not at all related to religious liberty. They are luxuries. Religious freedom should mean just that - the right to practice whatever religion one chooses without fear of persecution from the government. It means equal treatment under the law, not special treatment.
Although a few exceptions and tax breaks for religious organizations have been around for decades, many exemptions have been granted by the government only within the last fifteen or so years. Consider that church-run childcare programs in some states are not legally required to be licensed by the state and are not held accountable to safety regulations with which secular, non-profit daycares must comply. The same principle also applies to addiction treatment centers and other social services offered by religious groups. It is alarming that the government would put no checks whatsoever on an organization that is entrusted with the care of particularly vulnerable populations, such as children, addicts, and the mentally handicapped. This is not to assume most religious organizations offering these services are nefarious in nature, but rather they should be held accountable to the same standards as are non-religious organizations offering the same services. After all, these regulations are in place specifically to protect the safety and health of those who are being cared for.
Many religious groups are also exempt from zoning laws, and when told to follow the laws, end up taking the state to court and suing. Religious organizations essentially get to make up their own regulations regarding the use of land because when challenged, they will cry religious discrimination. However, there is nothing capricious or discriminatory about expecting all citizens to comply with laws equally applied to everybody. What many religious groups are in fact demanding is special treatment under the law and not religious liberty as they may claim. Additionally, there is the tax-exempt status to consider. This is sometimes abused, as in the case of a Minnesota church that used its status to build a fitness center with a tanning bed and arcade. Such an expenditure of money should not be given tax-exempt status because the gym and tanning bed are not at all related to religious liberty. They are luxuries. Religious freedom should mean just that - the right to practice whatever religion one chooses without fear of persecution from the government. It means equal treatment under the law, not special treatment.
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