Published: Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2013 - 12:43 pm
SAN FRANCISCO -- California lawmakers are considering making the Boy Scouts of America and other youth groups that do not accept gay, transgender or atheist members and leaders ineligible for some state tax exemptions.
Some cities have withdrawn free rent and other subsidies from the Boy Scouts over the years, but legislation introduced by state Sen. Ricardo Lara would make California the first state to punish the Scouts for its policy prohibiting gay members and troop leaders.
The bill by the Long Beach Democrat is scheduled for an initial committee hearing on Wednesday.
The legislation would deny tax-exempt status to nonprofit youth groups that discriminate on the basis of gender identity, race,
sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or religious affiliation.
The Legislative Analyst's Office says that means the Boy Scouts and its California affiliates would have to pay corporate taxes on donations and income from fees.
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