Private school vouchers are a threat to religious freedom

[guillaumeb]

From the article:

In his newly released federal budget, President Trump calls for funneling $1 billion in taxpayer funds into private school voucher programs. It’s a bad idea for several reasons.
First, public money should fund public schools, which serve 90 percent of American students. Public schools are a unifying factor in our diverse country and their doors are open to all students, regardless of their religion. Private schools, however, serve only a few, select students.

To read more:

https://religionnews.com/2018/02/14/private-school-vouchers-are-a-threat-to-religious-freedom/

[yallerdawg]

1. "No one should be compelled to fund the religious education of another." - Maggie Garrett

But vouchers don’t just threaten the religious liberty of the taxpayer. Vouchers also threaten the religious freedom of religious schools. By accepting taxpayer dollars they risk becoming mired in political debates and unwanted government oversight.

A 2017 study showed that vouchers are also a threat to houses of worship. Vouchers are now a dominant source of funding for many churches. While vouchers may lead to an increase in funding for the religious schools, they can spark a decline in donations. This often diminishes the church’s other religious activities. By becoming dependent on state funding, houses of worship could lose their integrity and religious identity.

[AtheistCrusader]

2. That's how I feel about subsidizing church property with my property taxes.

That's uh, precisely my position.

[yallerdawg]

3. Non-profit entities.

Same argument.

"Taxation without representation" would make churches and non-profits engage even more in the political process.

Let each member drop something in the basket, support the good works they implement and direct, cover the overhead of their shared facilities and 'personnel,' and operate as a non-profit.

As the article suggests, it can't just be "the one's we don't like." That is political, too. Not to mention rabid with discrimination.

[AtheistCrusader]

5. I am perfectly happy doing away with the concept.

I question whether churches really ARE 'non-profit'. Some activities may be I guess.

[yallerdawg]

6. Exempt purposes.

The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals. The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.

https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/exempt-purposes-internal-revenue-code-section-501c3

[guillaumeb]

4. Agreed.

Equal treatment under the law.