Catholic World News

IRS head weighs in on same-sex marriage, nonprofit status of religious colleges

August 04, 2015

John Koskinen, the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, told a Senate committee that he would not take the initiative to revoke the nonprofit status of religious colleges that oppose same-sex marriage, but left the door open for such revocations in the future.

"We see no basis for changing our examination criteria as a result of this Supreme Court case," he said, referring to the June 26 decision that struck down all state laws that recognized marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

"If we ever did that, we would issue it for public comment," he added. "There would be no surprises."

"While I greatly appreciate Commissioner Koskinen’s word that he will not target religious institutions for their religious beliefs, it worries me, and it should worry every American, that the IRS does not absolutely disavow the power to target religious institutions based on their religious beliefs, even if the current IRS commissioner has committed not to use that power for the time being," said Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT).

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: nix898049 - Aug. 08, 2015 1:35 PM ET USA

    Strange you should mention a snake, as there is a reptilian quality to Mr. Koskinen's expression during questioning.

  • Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 - Aug. 04, 2015 6:49 PM ET USA

    This is similar to how a boa constrictor kills its prey, choking off life little by little. The government is killing off our religious freedom in the same way.