Re: “…do we even really want the government (at any level) in the position of determining which entities are religious enough and which ones are not?”
It already has. Several years ago, the court ruled that the Boy Scouts are a religion.
stonescryout.org/archives/2006/02/the_boy_scouts.html
I would think that if the Boy Scouts qualify, why not a Catholic college?
Hiyas
I don’t see the connection here.
Actually, the court was left no option.
"The problem that made the city roll over is proof that the BSA had claimed to be a ‘private religious organization’ in a number instances including their appearance before the SCOTUS. As the city attorney stated:
The City’s defense of the case rested on the position that, while the Boy Scouts may follow certain religious principles, it was not a “religious organization” subject to the restrictions in the state and federal constitutions. During the course of the case, however, and without forewarning the City as to its position, the Boy Scouts admitted in court documents that it was in fact a “religious organization.” And another difference between the BSA and those other organizations is answered by the question “can a self-avowed atheist join?” The answer for all the others is ‘yes’, for “no” for the BSA. Just mentioning God doesn’t qualify you as a religious organization but having a religious ‘litmus test’ does. And the city is proscribed by California law from giving religious organizations limited bid access to leasing of public property.]’
In this instance…It seems the BS were trying to go both ways.
Religious…to apply their litmus test on membership applicants.
"What is happening is exactly what the BSA should have realized what would happen when they changed officially from being a public accommodation to a private religious organization. Governments
CAN give special considerations to public accommodations, they
CAN’T to private religious organizations. The BSA knew that all these perks they got in the past would go away but they are acting like they are being attacked when they are just being adjusted to get what all such religious organizations are entitled to and should expect.
Yes a city could have a policy that gave
EVERY religious organization choice parkland on the cheap but they can’t favor some such organizations over any others. So unless the city is prepared to give the San Diego Wiccan High Coven the same deal, they can’t offer that special deal to any private religious organization.
So in answer to
“The Boy Scouts Are A Religion?” the answer is '
Yes,* by their own statements and choice", *and to whine because they are being treated like one is not very in keeping with the BSA Oath and Law in itself.]"
