Wisconsin organization files lawsuit against IRS for violating First Amendment
The separation of church and state has always been a major factor in the American legal system since this country was founded. As the pilgrims fled England to escape religious persecution, it was embedded in the DNA of American politics that religious organizations should remain separate from political issues and campaigns. But, recently, a lawsuit brought up in Wisconsin alleges the lines are still blurred.
According to the Associated Press, the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation (FRF) has filed a federal lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), stating that the government agency is violating the separation of church and state by allowing tax-exempt churches and religious organizations to get involved in political campaigns.
FRF's argument is that the IRS is not enforcing a federal tax code which prohibits these religious organizations from "electioneering," according to the source. The FRF argues that this is a violation of the First Amendment and equal protection rights because other tax-exempt organizations are not allowed to electioneer their preferred candidates. The atheist and agnostic group is asking that the court orders IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman to enforce the restrictions, as well as requiring the IRS to take legal action against any violators.
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