Should monasteries and convents lose their tax exempt status based on this court decision?

The State of NY has denied tax exempt status for a pagan motherhouse on the basis that, because people live there full time, it is a residence first and a religious institution second. The property is owned by Matreum (a legally recognized religious org), not a private individual. They have designated ritual spaces in each bedroom and on the property. There is a communal ritual nightly, and larger ones on weekends, in addition to special events (solstice ceremonies, etc) and other individual rituals by anyone who may be staying there. They provide housing to initiates and to people in need of emergency shelter.

In other words, they do everything a convent does. The only difference is they aren't a convent, they're a pagan organization. Based on this court's definition of what qualifies, shouldn't monasteries and convents also lose tax exempt status?

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Asked by NotPanicking at 7:53 PM on Aug. 10, 2012 in Religious Debate

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I do believe that if it's the same situation, then yes, the same standards should apply.

Answer by bandgeek521 at 7:56 PM on Aug. 10, 2012
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There is so much abuse of the tax exempt status by religious organizations. I believe we will see the day (and soon) when that will no longer be a privilege of organized religion.

However, in regards to your question, I would say that this is an act of discrimination. Rather than use it as the basis for disqualifying monasteries and convents, I would use it as a grounds for launching a full scale anti-discrimination campaign. I would go back and fight the ruling and go after the judge who made the discriminatory ruling.

Rather then attack other organizations, I would want to hold that judge accountable to the law and accountable to the people.

Answer by theMOMmission at 8:00 PM on Aug. 10, 2012
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I agree with bandgeek.

Answer by 2autisticsmom at 8:01 PM on Aug. 10, 2012
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Oh! And yes, I do believe that they should be held to the same standard. I think the issue is not should they be held to the same standard, but rather, because they both have the same rights and meet the same qualifications, those who would discriminate against one but not the other should be held accountable to the law.

Answer by theMOMmission at 8:06 PM on Aug. 10, 2012
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If it is the same then it should be the same.
I suspect there are differencesother than religious affiliation but frankly I do not know or care.
I do think if they feel it is an unequal situation they should appeal it like any one else

Answer by Dardenella at 8:30 PM on Aug. 10, 2012
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No, they don't. They do not behave as a solidified, religion. It is a corporate entity. It is set up as affordable housing for transexuals.

Answer by adnilm at 8:34 PM on Aug. 10, 2012 (hidden) + expand
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The main issue is that they tried to change from a non profit to a religious organizations without changing the mission and objective of the organization. The religious activities not being the main focus on the property negates the claim

Answer by adnilm at 8:46 PM on Aug. 10, 2012
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Yes. Or 'no' if they are willing to treat all such organizations fairly. As an atheist, I see this sort of 'tax-exempt' status as grossly unfair because there are other organizations that do the same sort of work - on a secular level - that have to jump through hoops or forget getting a tax-exempt status altogether. If they are going to allow that status for some groups, they should allow them for all groups that work as non-profits, regardless of whether or not they are faith-based.

Answer by jsbenkert at 12:01 AM on Aug. 11, 2012
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I see this sort of 'tax-exempt' status as grossly unfair because there are other organizations that do the same sort of work - on a secular level
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And if they follow the tax exempt rules for not for profits, they will get the exemption. If you read the entire court document, as I did, you will see that there were a number of more than questionable places where they did NOT adhere to nonprofit, tax exempt religious, or any other type of charitable organization

Answer by adnilm at 9:50 AM on Aug. 11, 2012
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ALL Religious organizations should loose their tax exempt status! It's a bias exemption which does not account for unorganized or more modern religious groups or sacred/religious spaces within private homes. Additionally, it creates a greater connection - rather than a separation - between Church and State.

TAX CHURCHES!

Answer by SabrinaMBowen at 12:45 PM on Aug. 14, 2012
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