Atheism a Religion? Government Says Yes for Tax Purposes

[CarrieLynne]

The leader of an atheist group sued because she didn't believe she qualified for tax exemptions afforded to clergy. When the government says she does qualify - as a minister - she got even angrier.

[link:http://news.yahoo.com/atheism-religion-government-says-yes-tax-purposes-141610417.html|

[ZombieHorde]

1. Hahahaha! nt

[progressoid]

2. What the fu....???

[Warpy]

3. Hey, that opens the door to the same scam

the preachers have been running! This is good news!

[dimbear]

4. The IRS takes many important actions based on fictional classifications.

So, the IRS is a religion.

Two can play.

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I don't see the problem.

Instead of getting angry, they should laugh all the way to the bank.

I understand that they do not want to be considered a "church" or "clergy", but if the religious have been able to get away with this forever, I say take the exemption. That money spent on taxes can be used in a more useful way.

[deucemagnet]

6. "for tax purposes"

Zaphod Beeblebrox: Did you talk to the big noiseboy?

Ford Prefect: Hotblack? Yeah, I sort of spoke to him.

Zaphod Beeblebrox: What did he say?

Ford Prefect: Nothing much. He's, um...

Zaphod Beeblebrox: Yeah?

Ford Prefect: He's spending a year dead for tax reasons.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1113231/quotes