European Court of Human Rights to hear JWs tax case against France

by AndersonsInfo 25 Replies latest jw friends

  • Band on the Run
    Band on the Run

    If there were some way of taxing in the US, without heavy intrusion into religious policy, I don't think there would be a bar. The Supreme Court is very unclear about this area. I believe it might be allowed on its face, the actual wording of the legislation. It might be struck down as applied. The details would be important.

    Neutral tax lies, applicable to all, regardless of religion or nonreligion should pass constutional muster. I've not had the chance to research this so no one should rely on my comments. Perhaps I will have the time during summer break.

    Altho right wingers were outrageous by Supreme Court internet research and noting foreign law (not relying on it, merely noting it), I find the European example a great way to see exactly where we are unique. Americans can be arrogant and assume the world revolves around us but Western Europe has a tradition of religious freedom in the modern world. I assume the American example had an impact but I more likely believe that the drastic change came from internal politics and culture. My writing sample for legal employment is based on the Establishment Clause, often incorrectly termed separation for church and state. If any Europeans know where I can access the history of modern European law regarding relgious rights, I'd be appreciative.

  • dgp
    dgp

    This could be understood to mean "Sure our individual members pay their taxes, but we, as an organization, want to be tax-free. And, by the way, we will fight tooth and nail so we can pay as little in taxes as we can".

    I'm not an expert, of course, but to me the French government simply reasoned like this: "You guys are earning a lot of money by way of what you call donations. You're certainly not using that money for charities, hospitals, feeding the hungry, et cetera. So that is just income and I want my share, the same way I take my share from everyone else. If I accepted anybody's word, then no one would be earning an income; they would all be receiving donations. Call me Caesar, if you will; call me any names, but pay."

    Would anyone happen to have the French edition of the Watchtower where they discussed the discrimination? I wonder what they told the French.

  • dgp
    dgp

    By the way, I think religions should be taxed. That way we would know who are there for the money.

    NGOs use their money for charity (or so they say), and they perhaps won't pay taxes, but will surely file a return.

  • dgp
    dgp

    This is actually very good news, whether the Watchtower wins the case or not. They have already accepted the principle that they have to abide by the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights. It would really get me thinking. Do they have a clean human rights record? No? Could a case be brought to the attention of the Court? Yes?

  • dgp
    dgp

    By the way, taxing religions would be very good for the followers of those religions. Are the faithful sure the money is used wisely? That way, we would know. Maybe that is what the French want to know, too.

  • Listener
    Listener
    On the basis of the information gathered during the audit, the association was issued with a formal notice to declare the donations it had received from 1993 to 1996. It refused to do so and asked to be granted the tax exemption applicable for donations and bequests

    Refusing to provide information and having JWs protest on their behalf are shocking revelations.

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