Sunday, September 15, 2013
Several months ago, a California committee approved legislation that would revoke tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations that fail to “embrace homosexuality.” Senate Bill 323 prevents “an organization that is a public charity youth organization that discriminates on the basis of gender identity, race, sexual orientation, nationally, religion, or religious affiliating” from enjoying exemption from California state taxes.
To keep their tax-exempt status, youth organizations must subscribe to provisions, coined “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” guidelines. The organizations named in the legislation include Little League, Boy Scouts, YMCA, and YWCA.
Opponents of the legislation argue that the proposed law is a “blatant use of extortion” and holds “nonprofit groups financially hostage” and tramples individual organizations’ First Amendment rights.
Are the opponents correct? What issues are there with “public charity youth organizations” failing to embrace homosexuality while enjoying First Amendment protection and state tax-exemption?