Atheists sue IRS for “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”
An atheist organization is suing the Internal Revenue Service for failing to take action against churches that the group says have violated the tax code for nonprofits by engaging in politics.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a watchdog group based in Madison, Wis., filed a federal lawsuit this week that cited the Oct. 7 actions of 1,600 pastors who violated the tax code on “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” – a nationwide display of free speech. After weeks of silence from the IRS, the Freedom From Religion Foundation took the matter to court. …
“The tipping point would have been the braggadocio of [1,600] pastors claiming they endorsed from the pulpit. The number of complaints we’ve received has been escalating, and we have no explanation from the IRS. This is our way of finding out what is going on.”
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Assthiests versus the Idiots, Robbers, and Scumbags. You just couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried.
Oh this is just beautiful. Somebody go get the popcorn!
MelonCollie on November 16, 2012 at 7:24 PM
There is no freedom FROM religion. At least not guaranteed in the bill of rights. Stupid.
Tennman on November 16, 2012 at 7:35 PM
My sister’s Mega-Church hosted Al Gore when he
campaignedpreached there in 2000. I’m an atheist, but have nothing against believers. Don’t like how often politics gets stirred into the godly mix, but truly despise militant nonbelievers.Ladysmith CulchaVulcha on November 16, 2012 at 7:43 PM
My thoughts exactly… I’m glad they’re bringing the lawsuit. If the speculation about why the IRS hasn’t been cracking down (i.e. because they think the restrictions on religious freedom would be shot down in court) is correct, then I’m glad we’re getting this show on the road.
Mr. Prodigy on November 16, 2012 at 7:47 PM
The the tax code that attempts to abridge the freedom of speech in churches is unconstitutional, and the IRS knows it. That is why the IRS is not trying to enforce that unconstitutional law… if they tried to enforce it, the churches involved would have sued the IRS.
Instead, the atheists are suing the IRS. Which is fine with me. The IRS has to try to defend the indefensible, and the atheists are footing the the plaintiff’s legal bill, so the churches don’t have to.
ITguy on November 16, 2012 at 7:49 PM
can the secular humanists count on their stalwart allies the Mohammedans in this fight?
tom daschle concerned on November 16, 2012 at 8:02 PM
Just make sure you include Reverand Wright and all the other Black Theologic Churches and black preachers like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.
Mitoch55 on November 16, 2012 at 8:23 PM
That group should not have the word Freedom in its name. They clearly don’t know what it means.
Ronnie on November 16, 2012 at 8:40 PM
They should try moving to Iran and acting toward Muslims like they do toward Christians. The survivors that got back to the USA would understand.
MelonCollie on November 16, 2012 at 8:42 PM