Nebraska state Sen. Ernie Chambers’ new bill aimed at eliminating state property tax exemptions for religious organizations is set for review by the Legislature's Revenue Committee Friday.
Bill LB675, which was introduced by the openly atheist lawmaker on Jan. 8, attempts to “gain more revenue, rather than less, by taking away churches’ property tax exemptions,” according to Chambers’ Statement of Intent.
Although the measure will most likely be killed in committee, Chambers argued in the statement:
The Governor and candidates for governor have said that “everything should be on the table.” If taxes were paid on the many churches and cathedrals and temples in every city in this State, perhaps the State’s assistance to local governments and schools would be diminished considerably -- leaving more in State coffers for other purposes.
The popular Nebraska senator also advised religious organizations to “carry out the directives of Jesus who said, ‘Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.'”
“In short: PAY YOUR TAXES,” Chambers wrote. By passing this bill, legislators would, in effect, be fulfilling scripture, Chambers claimed.
"And this should be one of the easiest bills to pass that I've ever offered to the Legislature,” Chambers added.
In 2007, Chambers filed a lawsuit against God for causing "widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth's inhabitants."
(h/t The Friendly Atheist)
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