I completely agree with the result in this matter (http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/09/091807nj.htm): once you take public, taxpayer derived funds, you lose the right to discriminate against others based on your religious views. This is the same principal that has lead to the Boy Scouts losing the free use of public taxpayer supported property. If you want to discriminate, do not take public funds or expect public venues to be provide for free:(Trenton, New Jersey) A scenic pavilion on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove, N.J. that refuses to allow same-sex couples to have civil union ceremonies has lost its tax exempt status. The pavilion is owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a Methodist group. While it is frequently rented out for marriages, two lesbian couples were turned down when they tried to hold their civil unions there. The association told the couples that the pavilion is a religious structure and the denomination rejects same-sex union ceremonies.
In a letter to the Camp Meeting Association terminating its tax free status Jackson said that "it is clear that the Pavilion is not open to all persons on an equal basis." "The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association has only itself to blame for what will now be the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality. "The question is, how much more hell will the Camp Meeting Association, and its national right-wing extremist backers, put the good people of Ocean Grove through?"
By way of background, the church affilate received significant tax payer assistance in the renovation the pavillion and in order to get tax breaks the pavillion was to be open to use by all members of the public.
4 comments:
So, is the message you're trying to make here is that everyone can be bought. Drop your principles and let whatever take place? Agreed, it should never have been that a religious pavilion receive public funds, but come on. This argument of you should have and now you're going to pay only makes it worse. The pavillion should be open to all as long as the occasion is lawful. That should have been enough. Your nasty and hateful side is showing -- use your brain more. The arguments and the justification is more in tact. Damn, no wonder we wind up looking like idiots at times.
Anonymous,
Disagree with me if you will, but unlike you, at least I am not afraid to attach my name to my opinions.
P.S. I would never attack the person. I just have less respect for those who comment but want to remain anonymous.
I agree that the pavillion should be open to all as long as the occasion is lawful. But I also believe in the separation of church and state and hence that religious groups that discriminate should not receive public funds.
My message most assuredly is not that everyone can be bought.
As always, the blog looks good. Interesting food for thought. Good morning. Hope you have a great day!
Post a Comment