Opinions: Tax Exemptions for Anti-Gays

Ultra Mormon and conservative US - Utah Senator Mike Lee has questioned the IRS about the possibility of tax-exempt status being stripped of religious institutions for their beliefs on same-sex marriage.

IRS representatives have committed to not take action or lawsuits up against anti-gay religious institutions--for now. It may be a couple years, but it is foreseen to be an issue in the future.

Religious institutions are not ever (as we see the law now) going to be forced to marry any couple. But there are other religious institutions, such as schools, that hold religious beliefs and have and still will punish students for violating certain moral codes. The greatest example here at home: BYU.

BYU schools are known to investigate the personal lives of students. Roommates, friends, and even family have turned in students to the "Honor Code Office" to rat out people that were seen drinking, smoking, or committing "sexual sin". One of the largest remaining witch hunts is for active homosexuals. If there is even one witness to a homosexual activity, a full investigation on that student often leads to expulsion and sometimes withholding of academic records. Such an event can ruin any person's future.

But BYU wants to reserve the right to meter punishments for such things. It also wants to keep its federal funding and ties. Can both exist? Can you have a legal right to discriminate in this situation and still be tax-exempt?

Most conservatives believe "yes". They believe they are being targeted for holding these beliefs. But aren't they targeting people they merely "believe" to be wrong?

Here is my response to one who thinks they are wronged by being stripped of their ability to judge another:

As much as I think your view is inhumane, you believe mine is "evil". So whatever. You are welcome to hold your opinion. As am I. But if you kick me out of a school or directly cause me harm verbally or physically because I am gay or have married my partner legally, you betcha I will fight against your government protected religious privileges. I would expect you to retaliate similarly if I disrespect you, slander you, or physically harm you for holding your belief as well.

This is NOT about the "gay agenda". How insulting. Can you possibly imagine the hate, fear, and emotional pain of a gay person hiding their identity because people like you condemn them to hell for having such feelings? The young people depressed and committing suicide because they would rather die than have their family reject them?

This is about changing attitudes so that one can live who they are without society belittling them to animals. You don't have to participate, but you MUST respect them and allow them to live their life. You are not violating your religion by providing services to people that you think are "sinning". It is not your right to decide who deserves to receive your service or product. The gays are not infringing on your rights. You are just upset that you now have to share your rights with them. Shame on you.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=35730207&nid=757&title=irs-to-sen-mike-lee-we-wont-target-churches-over-gay-marriage

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=35530273&nid=148

Utah Majority Still Opposes Gay Marriage

Recent polls show that support for gay marriage in Utah is down, lower than earlier this year. The Supreme Court ruling has spiked strong opinions concerning the matter. Most people, other than a small margin of 25-34 year-olds, strongly oppose the ruling. Many also support protections for people and businesses that wish to discriminate against gays for situations like wedding photographers, bakeries, and counseling.

Many on both sides argue that a poll is meaningless. SSM supporters reiterate the great judiciary branch of government we have is what prevents the tyrannical rule of the majority and provides us with the unique blend of our democratic republic. Anti-gay groups say that a poll doesn't affect a child's "right" to have a mother and father.

It's not surprising that there is such a push against the ruling of such a controversial topic. Over time, the support will settle at a strong majority, even in Utah, as the integration and equality of contributing LGBT citizens becomes the norm.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=35687205&nid=757

Book of Mormon Musical in Utah

The Book of Mormon Musical is coming to SLC just a few blocks from Temple Square. Although the musical is critical of Mormon beliefs, and is considered to be explicit and profane, critics laud its humor, catchy tunes, and unprecedented portrayal of crisis-of-faith.

The LDS Church purchased ads in the playbill when the show opened in NY, hoping to intrigue watchers to learn "the real Mormonism". They also started the "I'm a Mormon" campaign to take advantage of the free publicity the musical created.

Tickets are already sold out for the Broadway performance. The irony of its visit in Utah has already done its job.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865633190/Profane-but-acclaimed-The-Book-of-Mormon-musical-arrives-in-Salt-Lake-City.html?pg=all

LDS Issues Strong Opposition to Gay BSA Leaders

It's official. And immediately. Gay men and women are allowed to participate in the BSA volunteer program if their charter chooses to select them. And despite a group's ability (also part of the new policy) to still deny it based on sexual orientation, the LDS Church cries foul and is going to re-examine its relationship with the program.

BSA knew it couldn't sustain the policy given the weather of the social changes concerning LGBT people. But the LDS church is still one of the largest associates of the program, and it's separation from it may lead to its decline.

There is already another program that started in protest to allowing gay boys in BSA called Trail Life USA, with about 25k members already. It wouldn't be surprising if Mormons create their own program, join Trail Life USA, or upgrade their "Duty to God" program to mimic BSA.

https://www.ksl.com/?sid=35688342&nid=157&title=bsa-ends-ban-on-gay-adults-lds-church-to-examine-long-time-association

Same-Sex Couples To Foster Children

Same-sex couples on the foster waiting lists are getting calls to house children.

Since the SCOTUS ruling, several couples have additionally applied to foster children together... something that wasn't legal in Utah previously. Obviously, there is resistance from groups that believe only a mother and father should be eligible. But loving couples are eager to join the ranks of fostering.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=35553017&nid=148&title=same-sex-couples-join-the-ranks-of-utah-foster-families&s_cid=queue-9

Same-Sex Parents Can Adopt Like Opposite-Sex Parents in Utah UPDATED

A federal judge recently ruled that same-sex couples should be treated exactly the same as opposite-sex couples in Utah. Roe mothers Tami and Angie have been working through the difficult system of step parent adoption Utah has in place and have waited for months for the protection of both their names listed on their child's birth certificate.

Now all couples, male and female of any combination can adopt non-genetic children legally and have both parents' names on the birth certificate.

The state may challenge this ruling, but it is unlikely due to the legality of SSM in the SCOTUS ruling. Utah has already spent $1.2 million defending its failed Amendment 3 that banned same-sex marriage.

http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/breaking_federal_court_rules_utah_must_treat_same_sex_parents_as_it_treats_different_sex_parents

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=35504549&nid=148&title=defending-utahs-same-sex-marriage-ban-cost-12m


UPDATE

Utah has decided to not appeal the court ruling granting the Roes the right to have both mothers' names on their child's birth certificate. This solidifies the opportunity for all same-sex couples to be legal parents of any and all children of theirs.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=35587975&nid=148&title=utah-wont-appeal-ruling-in-same-sex-parents-case

BSA to Lift Gay Adult Ban

Boy Scouts of America has unanimously approved a new policy that removes the organization-wide ban on openly gay adults as leaders. The move will go on to the board for ratification.

The LDS church is one of the biggest sponsors and partners with BSA, and stated that it has always had and expects the right to choose what leaders it believes are "moral" for the position, according to its religious expectations.

The move allows any approved charter to have parents and organizers select the leaders they deem appropriate for their groups. If a group votes to allow gay men and women as leaders, they are now allowed to do so. The LDS church is not expected to allow openly gay people into its unit, as the LDS church still considers homosexuality a "serious sin".

BSA in 2013 approved the admission of openly gay teens into scouting, but the LDS church handles such cases in its own way within its organization.

There are several cases where leaders have been expelled from the program due to information leaking to BSA that the leader was gay. Hopefully this move will pass and those who which to support the program, regardless of sexual orientation, are able to do so in groups where they are accepted as equals.

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=35485563&nid=148&title=bsa-set-to-lift-ban-on-gay-leaders-lds-church-responds