The Indiana Court of Appeals has held that Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act does not provide a conscientious exemption to paying taxes. The court reasoned that the state has a compelling interest in a uniform taxation system. The case is Tyms-Bey v. State, No. 49A05-1603-CR-439 (Ind. Ct. App. Jan. 13, 2017). Continue reading “Ind. Ct. App: Indiana RFRA doesn’t exempt taxpayers”
Tag: criminal law
First Church of Cannabis receives I.R.S. approval
According to the Indianapolis Star, the First Church of Cannabis has received approval as a 501(c)(3) organization. This raises a few thoughts.
Continue reading “First Church of Cannabis receives I.R.S. approval”
How to Get Arrested for Marrying Same-Sex Couples
There has been a lot of hubbub going around news outlets, blogs, and social media about how Republicans have changed the law in Indiana (my beloved home state) to make it a crime for same-sex couples to apply for marriage licenses and “for clergy to conduct weddings for gay couples.” (Emphasis from Americablog.)
Nothing New Here
As several sources have pointed out (again, blog and news outlet alike), these accounts are off target. The laws are not new, and they do not explicitly target same-sex couples. The only thing that is new is the name Indiana gives to the category of crime committed. Continue reading “How to Get Arrested for Marrying Same-Sex Couples”