Tax breaks

Reader comment on: California Targets Boy Scout Tax Exemption

Submitted by Amadeus (United States), Apr 11, 2013 23:34

I've never heard of a religious youth group that doesn't accept atheists. It's not like they're going to ban you from showing up and talking with them, as long as you're respectful and don't try to convert anyone. People bring friends to religious youth groups all the time, and no one stops them at the door to test their faith. I'm atheist and I went to a Catholic youth convention with a group from my Catholic high school because of my interest in the architecture and historical significance of the location. There were many other atheists in my Confirmation class because of pressure from parents.

I'm not quite sure how the First Amendment works in favor of the Boy Scouts here. I would say that the First Amendment is much closer to the idea that you have the right to live under a government that does not give special recognition (tax breaks) to groups that discriminate against you. Denying tax breaks is a neutral response, not a response that threatens your rights or beliefs.

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