The "ex-gay" lie dispensing New Zealand affiliate of Exodus International has already lost its tax exempt status. Now an effort is underway to win the same result in Canada. To be tax-exempt, an organization needs to be (1) educational or providing a charitable service and (2) non-political Anyone familiar with the activities of Exodus and its affiliates that masquerade under various names knows that the organizations fit neither requirement. The entire underlying purpose of Exodus is political and the organization is bankrolled by far right Christian groups who use the "gays can change" myth to influence politicians and legislation.*
Given the condemnation of reparative therapy and the ex-gay myth by the APA and every other legitimate medical and mental health association, it is ridiculous that the IRS has not revoked Exodus' tax-exempt status in the USA. The fact that it has not done so is yet another example of the pernicious special rights afforded to religious belief and alleged religious groups in this country. I truly would love to find a group of ex-Exodus enrollees who have harmed by its witchdoctor like programs and willing to file lawsuits against the organization. Given the universal condemnation of ex-gay conversion programs by all legitimate experts (as opposed to religious extremists), one would think that the likelihood of prevailing would be good. Here are highlights from Xtra on the challenge being launched in Canada:
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A grassroots campaign is seeking to revoke the charitable status of the controversial Exodus Global Alliance, a Toronto-based international organization that claims "change is possible for the homosexual through the transforming power of Jesus Christ."
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Slapupsidethehead.com blogger Mark McIntyre spearheaded the campaign last month after discovering that New Zealand's Charities Commission refused to grant charitable status to Exodus Ministries Trust Board. The commission determined that the New Zealand group did not provide a charitable purpose.
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Canadian law requires a charity to provide a measurable benefit to the public as a whole, or a significant section of it.
"I'm pretty sure Revenue Canada -- if they knew what Exodus itself is actually doing -- they might have an issue with it," McIntyre says. Exodus, which has never been sanctioned, is registered as a religious charity under the category of missionary organizations and propagation of gospel.
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Exodus Global Alliance's annual returns to Canada Revenue Agency have never mentioned the group's main goal: pushing gay people to change their sexuality. In fact, the reports never refer to sexual orientation at all.
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For 10 years, the reports have described the organization's mission in 30 words: "Educating and training in dealing with abuse and family issues. Developing ministries to help families and individuals in pain. Teaching church groups, schools and youth. Helping and teaching at conferences." Bryan Kliewer, executive director of Exodus Global Alliance, says the word "homosexual" doesn't appear in the description because there wasn't enough space.
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In New Zealand, the Charities Commission said in a detailed, 15-page decision in August that Exodus Ministries Trust Board had no charitable purpose, such as relieving poverty or advancing education or religion. The commission questioned whether the organization could provide a public benefit, noting that homosexuality is no longer considered a mental disorder, gay sex is legal, civil unions are recognized and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. The commission cited the American Psychological Association and American Medical Association websites, which reject reparative therapy.
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"It's clear that from Exodus Global Alliance's webpage that they're in the same industry. And they are getting charitable status, and that's what I have an issue with."
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A grassroots campaign is seeking to revoke the charitable status of the controversial Exodus Global Alliance, a Toronto-based international organization that claims "change is possible for the homosexual through the transforming power of Jesus Christ."
*
Slapupsidethehead.com blogger Mark McIntyre spearheaded the campaign last month after discovering that New Zealand's Charities Commission refused to grant charitable status to Exodus Ministries Trust Board. The commission determined that the New Zealand group did not provide a charitable purpose.
*
Canadian law requires a charity to provide a measurable benefit to the public as a whole, or a significant section of it.
"I'm pretty sure Revenue Canada -- if they knew what Exodus itself is actually doing -- they might have an issue with it," McIntyre says. Exodus, which has never been sanctioned, is registered as a religious charity under the category of missionary organizations and propagation of gospel.
*
Exodus Global Alliance's annual returns to Canada Revenue Agency have never mentioned the group's main goal: pushing gay people to change their sexuality. In fact, the reports never refer to sexual orientation at all.
*
For 10 years, the reports have described the organization's mission in 30 words: "Educating and training in dealing with abuse and family issues. Developing ministries to help families and individuals in pain. Teaching church groups, schools and youth. Helping and teaching at conferences." Bryan Kliewer, executive director of Exodus Global Alliance, says the word "homosexual" doesn't appear in the description because there wasn't enough space.
*
In New Zealand, the Charities Commission said in a detailed, 15-page decision in August that Exodus Ministries Trust Board had no charitable purpose, such as relieving poverty or advancing education or religion. The commission questioned whether the organization could provide a public benefit, noting that homosexuality is no longer considered a mental disorder, gay sex is legal, civil unions are recognized and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. The commission cited the American Psychological Association and American Medical Association websites, which reject reparative therapy.
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"It's clear that from Exodus Global Alliance's webpage that they're in the same industry. And they are getting charitable status, and that's what I have an issue with."
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