CA Boy Scouts Face Loss of Tax Exemption Over Anti-Gay Stance

A law specifically intended to punish a group for its views would seem ... problematic

State Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, has proposed removing the tax-exempt status of the Boy Scouts of America if the group continues to forbid gay, bisexual and transgender members.

The "Youth Equality Act," or SB 323, would end an exemption on corporate taxes on donations or other income the Boy Scouts and certain youth groups receive, if they discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Lara said that the tax break was intended to reward youth groups that benefit all Californians.

"We're not saying you have to let folks in, but if you choose to actually discriminate against somebody for being LGBT, we shouldn't be giving you the privilege of a tax exemption that is supported by all California," Lara said Monday.