|
Spanner
1/14/2009 1:51 PM | SHould revoke it for ALL Religious institution that crossed the line into politics. During the election preachers across the country told their parishones who they should vote for (Mostly AGAINST Obama) all those CHurches should lose their exempt status ASAP |
|
Jensen
1/14/2009 1:58 PM | I voted it up, because this so called "church":
Doesn't pay taxes,
Cheated the system so as not to pay taxes,
Attempts to silence critics,
Censors the internet,
Destroys families,
Ruins people financially
and
Abuses the protections offered to religious societies to protect the manipulate self-helf course gone wrong that it really is.
|
|
Jake2006
1/14/2009 2:02 PM | I also support the removal of its tax exempt status. How can an organization founded on a science fiction book written by a known con-artist be deemed a "religion"?
Only in America.
This so called "religion" is a dangerous cult by any definition. It has destroyed the lives of thousands, not only in america, but globally. It is perpetuated on lies, deception, black-mail and threats. Please do this country a favor and get rid of it. |
|
Rhia
1/14/2009 2:10 PM | The information above is clearly based on personal opinion. Facts are not there. Where has there been a conviction, against whom and has it eventually been overturned? An organization cannot be convicted of manslaughter, only a person. Lots of false stories are circulated about this religion, as if some people benefit in some way by telling these stories. Where is the actual proof of these allegations?
The civic good that they do and their help to thousands of people during disasters needs to be looked at also. This religion agressively upholds Human Rights and Freedom of Religion for all. No other religion does this kind of work to this extent.
|
|
Hostiles
1/14/2009 2:24 PM | I really agree here. Scientology has been investigated for participating in a lot of events of questionable legality... Heck, they've been investigated for infiltration of the US govenment for their own purposes. (google "operation snow white")
I don't think it's fair at all for the jewish and christians to have to pay taxes and for Scientologists to be tax exempt.
regardless of "fairness" this should be considered.
also, I don't mean to offend Rhia, but leaked sections of Scientology doctrine point quite to the contrary of their support of freedom of religion for all. Their founder didn't believe Christ existed.
anyway, I don't want to point links towards any potentially copyrighted information held by Scientology, but their doctrine is certainly not the peace and harmony between all people that is prominent with other religions
Scientology is not any more deserving of this than any other religion. Whatever happened with seperation of church and state?
|
|
Bob1005
1/14/2009 2:24 PM | If you mean by putting their own employees in a scientology gulag called the RPF they are 'upholding Human Rights and Freedom of Religion for all" then yeah, sure, Rhia.
This cult is not a religion. Google Operation SnowWhite and Operation Freak Out to find out the kinds of things this cult does.
L. Ron Hubbard let his own wife go to prison for infiltrating the government. He hid out in the desert and died a delusional old man.
Time to tax this cult/business. |
|
azure
1/14/2009 2:32 PM | Reference for the Sklar case (apologies for the mispelling earlier): http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/Ninth-Circuit-Court-Rejects-Arguments/story.aspx?guid={4B733ABA-5DC7-472E-96C4-958E146F6B76}
Reference for convictions of Scientologists, including founder L Ron Hubbard's fraud conviction: http://www.scientology-lies.com/convictions.html
|
|
Kilia
1/14/2009 2:33 PM | The CoS is nothing more than a business. Not a religion in the normal sense.
Please recind their tax-exempt status. Thank you!
|
|
JMNZ
1/14/2009 2:35 PM | I moved this up because it paves the way for the rest of the world. Revoke scientology's tax exempt status in the US and other countries will also review it, even if we have to have a petition such as this.
Down with this dangerous cult.
|
|
Supervisor111
1/14/2009 2:35 PM | They can believe in what they want, but with their history of abuse, I see no reason why MY TAX MONEY should pay for it!!!! |
|
oschaper
1/14/2009 2:36 PM | Arguments about abuses and persecutions aside,
why does this organization get special exemption for their business practices
that the business practices of other religious organizations do not?
And why is this agreement confidential- while equivalent IRS settlements with other religious organizations are part of the public record?
Whether this compact is fair and reasonable- and should be kept; or modified or discarded, the reasoning behind it and the terms of the agreement need to be aired so that the public can understand what it is that we've already agreed to.
|
|
Hostiles
1/14/2009 2:46 PM | I forgot to mention, I don't want tax dollars going towards a group that violently opposes psychiatry.
also, they believe that people who are not supportive of their church should not be in contact with their members... I think that is a major glowing warning sign right there.
|
|
Marie-Vie
1/14/2009 2:53 PM | America needs to lead the world in putting our collective foot down against this sort of thing. If idiots want to sign up for a UFO cult then they can go ahead, but in the current economic climate it is literally breathtaking that the government allow them to do so on our tax dollars! |
|
taxthecult
1/14/2009 2:56 PM | Scientology is a tax exempt scam. Federal opinion of the judge in the Sklar case has stated that the tax exempt status of Scientology needs to be investigated by the courts, since the cult of scientology receives tax breaks that no nother "religion" in the U S receives and, those breaks are not within the law upheld by other religions. |
|
Anonrandom
1/14/2009 2:59 PM | Lol @ UFO cult having more rights than any other religion in the US.
It's so fucked up. Fix pls *votes up*
|
|
Emii
1/14/2009 3:12 PM | *upvote* |
|
DavidMiscarrage
1/14/2009 3:20 PM | Voted Up. Scientology is a corrupt business! |
|
Shrike
1/14/2009 3:40 PM | Their IRS ruling is a clear breach of church vs state.
|
|
JackMitchell90210
1/14/2009 3:42 PM | Rhia -
Yes there have been convitions although The Church of Scientology likes to settle civil cases out of court to control perceptions and bad press. Operation Snow White was the largest inviltration of the US government and it also uncovered evidence that saved a reporter that was framed for sending bomb threats to the "church" of Scientologyto jail. You can google both Paulette Cooper and Operation Snow white for more info. There have been similar cases in Canada where Scientology tried to infiltrate the government and was caught. The "church" founder's wife was even sent to prision for operation snow white.
The Church of Scientology has also lost civil cases with past members that claim they where brainwashed. Even though Scientology likes to claim that they have never lost a case it simply is not true.
However This forum is about their tax exempt status. And I how the country's most overturned federal court ruled against a Jewish couple trying to use the same tax laws that are given to Scientology. Scientology's agreement with the IRS is unavailable I would like to see it and see just exactly why the "religion" seems to be treated differently than others. It seems that this type of agreement would go agains the establishment cause.
|
|
Fluid1
1/14/2009 4:00 PM | Scientology is not a religion - L. Ron Hubbard |
|
TheActivist
1/14/2009 4:07 PM | “Somebody some day will say ‘this is illegal.’ By then be sure the orgs [Scientology organizations] say what is legal or not.”
- L. Ron Hubbard, Hubbard Communications Office Policy Letter, 4 January 1966, “LRH Relationship to Orgs
Do you really want a Church with that kind of mindset to be tax exempt?
|
|
mavis13
1/14/2009 4:10 PM | From all the history preceeding Scientology, they didn't gain their tax exempt status legitimately. That should be enough to revoke it. The fact that the IRS continues to uphold this unconstitutional decision, as well as the Supreme Court also supporting it, is disgraceful. The Church of Scientology and Religious Technology Center does not meet the standards of a religion:
1) Religion is free (Scientology charges money in the form of so-called "donations" for their services)
2) Religion is fully honest and informative of their beliefs (Scientology lies about their beliefs, withholds information from their own members until they pay more money and go up the ranks, and continues to manipulate their members with false info)
3) Religion is benevolent and law-abiding (Scientology actively seeks to harm their critics through litigation, harassment, and criminal acts; they also harm their own members with disregard to the law in the form of human rights abuses).
If Scientology wants to be acknowledged as a religious institution, it needs to live up to the standards other religions do. And more importantly, the gov't should enforce those standards that separate the cults from religions.
|
|
Theranthrope
1/14/2009 4:18 PM | Down with this sort of thing! *harumph* |
|
Theranthrope
1/14/2009 4:31 PM | With "down" I mean: upvote. (the tea's gone cold) *harumph* |
|
KDB955
1/14/2009 4:35 PM | It is not a church, it is not even really a cult, it is just crime. |
|
Just me
1/14/2009 4:39 PM | Let's not give this issue up, let's not let it down. |
|
coragalli
1/14/2009 4:42 PM | Seperation of church and state is there for a reason.
|
|
sun4u
1/14/2009 4:48 PM | The 'Church' of Scientology is a Dangerous, Criminal, Cult.
Support The Constitution - Seperation of Church and State, The Establishment Clause.
STOP this abuse. BAN the cult. |
|
Heather Grace
1/14/2009 4:51 PM | " Scientology's tax exempt status at the very least be altered so as to match those of other religions". I agree. Equal treatment. Why is this the only religion where followers can make a deduction for their own religious education? This is way too much of a cave-in by the IRS and smells to high heaven.
"Applying [Larson v. Valente, 456 U.S. at 246-47,] to the policy of the IRS towards the Church of Scientology, the initial inquiry must be whether the policy facially discriminates amongst religions. Clearly it does, as this tax deduction is available only to members of the Church of Scientology."
December 12 2008 decision of the UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2008/12/12/0672961.pdf
|
|
Anonymouse
1/14/2009 4:55 PM | All religions should, at the least, have equal treatment. That's not even GOING into how many illegal, unethical things the Church of Scientology have done.
But I agree with Spanner's "Political maneuverings should disqualify you for religious tax-exemption" comment as well.
|
|
ThePepsiSyndrome
1/14/2009 4:56 PM | <!--
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
Anyone who thinks that “This religion agressively upholds Human Rights and Freedom of Religion for all” should go to Youtube and search for “Scientology Psa Not Equal” and “Scientology Psa Hypocrisy.” Then tell me how devoted they are to human rights.
Oh, and tax the cult.
upvoted
|
|
P. Nuttz
1/14/2009 5:02 PM | It`s a creepy criminal cult , not a religion! Plus, they get more tax breaks than legitimate religions! The practice of scientology ought to be outlawed as it is detrimental to human rights, constitutional rights and democracy! |
|
Tyedog
1/14/2009 5:03 PM | My own parents were heavily involved in church endorsed tax evasion, before they got thier tax exept status. They hated the govenment and everything it stands for. Scientology is NOT A RELIGION, it is at best a buisness. Or at worst, a criminal enterprise and a mind control cult. |
|
Marc Abia
1/14/2009 5:07 PM | This is a very important issue that should be brought to the attention of Americans and citizens of Earth everywhere.
This is a business conglomerate posing as a religion and it is LYING, LYING, LYING to us all.
I don't even care if something is done about this soon, I want this issue to be INVESTIGATED to a FEDERAL LEVEL. I urge our government to do this and to purge the lies coming from this organization. |
|
Mony
1/14/2009 5:12 PM | In such a time of economic crisis, local, state and federal governments can really use all the tax-related income they can manage to collect. Allowing this multi-million dollar corporation to go untaxed (along with all of its workers and properties) is shameful and wasteful.
Please, President Obama, ask your team to take a few minutes to review the "deal" that Scientology cut with the IRS and the circumstances surrounding it. Then, have someone take a moment to review the documents that are sent out to individual Scientologists, telling them how to take maximum advantage of their "religion"'s tax exempt status. It will only take a few cursory glances to realize that the letter and spirit of their tax exemption is being abused and disregarded at every chance. |
|
vaLLarrr
1/14/2009 5:15 PM | When an organization like this acts more like a business than a religion, when it acts more like a criminal organization than a religion, when the criminal activities of Operation Snow White (ordered by the Church of Scientology during the 1970s) included a series of infiltrations and thefts from 136 government agencies, foreign embassies and consulates, as well as private organizations critical of Scientology, carried out by Church members, in more than 30 countries and remains the single largest infiltration of the United States government in history with up to 5,000 covert agents ... something is wrong. This is the most corrupt organization on the planet. Revoke their tax exempt status. |
|
Freake420
1/14/2009 5:24 PM | A cult corporation should not receive tax exemption. |
|
bbobkins
1/14/2009 5:28 PM | Nothing shady about their getting tax exempt status. Not at all.
|
|
Louanne Lou
1/14/2009 5:31 PM | Scientology is not a religion, it's a corporate shell game hiding tax evasion, abuse and more. Everyone should take the time to educate themselves about this cult (I don't believe in giving them the benefit of calling them a "church"). |
|
TsuDoNihm
1/14/2009 5:49 PM | Even Time Magazine called Scientology a corrupt cult of greed. It is time for the government to suspend the tax exempt status of this for profit business. |
|
Doomguy
1/14/2009 5:49 PM | This cult gets special rights over other religions by SECRET agreement with the IRS. While we pay hard earned money into ever increasing taxes, David Miscaivage and other scientology leaders get away with millions TAX FREE. This is a TRAVESTY! Please help us (soon to be) President Obama! Set this attack on the first amendment to rights for everyone and please launch an investigation into how the IRS was strongarmed into this. |
|
Anne Hiro
1/14/2009 5:59 PM | Why are the details of their tax exemption a guarded secret? If Scientology is truly a legitimate religion, then it would have nothing to hide. The reality is, though, they have much to hide. How is it an organization which infiltrated the US Government, and many others, is now bestowed special rights by that very same govermnment?
Scientology, even to this day, operates as a mixture of a cult, a business, and a mafia. They fiercely slander, stalk, and attack those whom they view as enemies - even media personalities like BBC reporter John Sweeney.
This needs to end. The United States of America needs to take a stance, set an example for the other nations of this world, all while honoring and cementing their very own "separation of church and state". Lastly, in these tough financial times, the citizens of the United States could certainly use some of Scientology's ill-gotten money.
|
|
ThePepsiSyndrome
1/14/2009 6:02 PM | |
|
shali
1/14/2009 6:10 PM | To whomever may read this:
Scientology is a concern because it's not fair to American tax payers. They offer "philosophical courses" and gym access that no other religion gets, they charge people for it, yet they don't have to pay taxes? This doesn't fall under educational non-profits, because their teachings are not applicable anywhere in the workforce.
Scientology denies free speech to critics, medical care to staff and followers, attempts to instill fears into "potential trouble sources", takes critics to court over the smallest infraction, and has been the cause of numerous deaths. Letting this go on unchecked would be irresponsible and I expect more from my government. I implore you to have the FBI, CIA, IRS, BBB, and other government agencies to check out different aspects of this group of people. Child labor and slavery have also been concerns. Thank you for opening this forum. |
|
John Sniper
1/14/2009 6:14 PM | Tax it! |
|
Chilaw
1/14/2009 6:15 PM | The "church" of Scientology is merely one of many fronts for a privately held corporation. It is a business by any definition. A business with a history of criminality and a world view that is completely incompatible with democratic principles. This dangerous cult is made only more dangerous by the grossly unfair advantage given to it through the highly questionable tax exemption status that it has been given. It is time to put an end to this disgrace before even more damage can be done.
|
|
Sissla
1/14/2009 6:21 PM | This is a cult that preys on emotionally weak people.
It is dangerous to US citizens and to people all around the globe. They don't care about anyone, all they want to do is further their agenda and to make more money.
They were at site in 9/11, trying to recruit injured and scared people to their cult. They couldn't care less if these people : http://www.lisamcpherson.org/cos-wtc.htm
They lie, intimidate, harass and sue critics and members alike. They have TRADEMARKED their name. What kind of religion has trademarks? Corporations do. Religions don't.
Religions care about people. Scientology only cares about profit.
Scientology was made up by a third-rate Science Fiction writer who wanted to make a quick buck. End of story.
|
|
Discomonger
1/14/2009 6:26 PM | This is a very serious concern. It does not just involve taxes, but it involves the legitimacy of real religions versuses commerical cons. It is a fact, backed by decades of IRS files, that it operates under the full definition of a business, but is not subject to the same checks as a normal business. Scientology ABUSES loopholes in the tax system that have far reaching effects.
|
|
SciArtM
1/14/2009 6:30 PM | You cant seperate one cult from another. I attended a number conservative Christian churches that openly advocated that their people vote republican. Revoke the tax expemt status of all churches and leave tax exempt status only for 100% charitable organizations, whether they are religios ot not. Church sponsored charities can still receive tax exempt status but they must seperate themselves from the harmful aspects of politically active religions of all flavors. |
|
tofuamn
1/14/2009 6:49 PM | Scientology is a business and does not deserve its tax exempt status. |
