Can anyone provide a good argument FOR religious exemptions in any context?

[Humanist_Activist]

The only one I can think of are exemptions from banned substances such a peyote or, oddly enough, sacramental wine during prohibition.

But even that seems weak, and is more an argument against all types of prohibition rather than arguments for religious exemptions.

People could argue tax exemption, but honestly, if churches want to be tax exempt, they could register as non-profits, and they should NOT be exempt from the same oversight rules that other non-profits have to obey, including financial oversight and regulatory oversight.

Every other religious exemption that exists seems to be an exercise in bad ideas.

In 14 states, religiously run day cares are exempt from the same oversight rules as secular ones. Is there any good reason for this?
http://secular.org/issues/childcare

When it comes to anti-discrimination, federally supported religious organizations can discriminate against people due to religion, but not LGBT status, as the recent EO from Obama states. The fact is, though, that we taxpayers are still supporting discriminatory organizations directly through taxes, that's unacceptable.

In some areas, such as healthcare and public health, the only exemptions that should exist are those related to health.

I honestly can't think of a single instance were religious exemption is good for society or even protects the rights of individuals. In most instances, it seems to be an exercise in violating the rights of others.

[blueridge3210]

1. IIRC during Prohibition

the Jewish synagogues (and perhaps the Catholic churches) were allowed to continue serving wine during religious services.

I do not support exemptions for health and safety regulations in general; my church has to meet the same fire safety requirements (exit doors, emergency lighting, fire suppression etc) as any other commercial building allowing for grandfathering of existing structures which also applies to secular buildings.

[dsc]

2. for churches as opposed to businesses run by people or churches there is a good argument

The Catholic Church has every right, under free association, not to hire female priests. The Southern Baptists have every right not to hire gay pastors. It should be noted that this exemption is provided for in the Civil Rights Act of 64

[Humanist_Activist]

3. That would fall under Churches being classified as "Private Clubs" or certain non-profits...

Not an argument for special protections for religions only.