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Saturday, April 28, 2018

Churches Can't Use Taxpayer Dollars, Rules New Jersey Supreme Court

A New Jersey Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday found the use of taxpayer dollars to restore historic churches unconstitutional — and preservationists in North Jersey say the decision could strike a blow in communities where historic churches exist.

The court ruled that Morris County's long-standing practice of giving taxpayer-funded historic preservation grants to churches, totaling $4.6 million in public aid, violated the New Jersey Constitution. The ruling reversed a lower court decision and precludes churches from benefiting from the grant program.

It means churches in New Jersey will now have to look elsewhere for funding to restore or repair buildings.
View Full Story From NorthJersey.com

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree. Religion is non profit and therefore not contributing to the community thru taxes. Therefore they are not entitled to receive any.

Anonymous said...

Do Muslims?

Anonymous said...

"Historic" buildings are just that. To qualify, they must be historic. What the building is used for does not matter. The idea and purpose of funding their restoration is because they are historic. I hope the issue is taken to a higher level. Denying funding over the religious nature of the building is religious discrimination by the NJ government and their Constitution. I think perhaps the SCOTUS would concur.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree. Religion is non profit and therefore not contributing to the community thru taxes. Therefore they are not entitled to receive any.

April 28, 2018 at 8:02 AM:

So, do you think that NJ only funds historic building restorations if the buildings contribute to the tax base? Most that apply for that funding are not contributors. These are BUILDINGS that there is a public interest in saving, not businesses or religions. Buildings that would be demolished for lack of funding or upkeep. A religious "test" is discriminatory. Whether one pays taxes, or not, has nothing to do with historic building funding. The funding is to save historic buildings, and not the activity that takes place in the buildings. And as to your "non-profit" statement, many non-profits take advantage of the Historic preservation funds. Do you think all the historic societies that apply for that funding, and receive it, are tax paying entities? No, they are ALL registered as non-profits. Religion shouldn't have anything to do with it, just as taxes don't have anything to do with it.

Anonymous said...

Why does Planned Parent hood get tax dollars then when they violate the law by getting tax dollars and perform abortions?

Anonymous said...

Raze all the sheep barns. Let them kneel and pray at home.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Why does Planned Parent hood get tax dollars then when they violate the law by getting tax dollars and perform abortions?

April 28, 2018 at 1:38 PM

Which law do you think they are violating?

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
Raze all the sheep barns. Let them kneel and pray at home.

April 28, 2018 at 4:01 PM

Why do you even care?