|
NZ organisation deregistered as a charity because of views on marriageThe National Director of a New Zealand charity has told the seventh World Congress of Families, being held in Sydney, that it has lost its status as a charity because of its views on marriage being between a man and a woman.
Bob McCoskrie from Family First NZ said the country’s Charities Registration Board (formerly Charities Commission) notified them of the decision in May.
“The Charities Registration Board told us that our point of view about family life does not have a public benefit – the view a union of a man and a woman through marriage is the fundamental social unit,” he said.
“So if the government agrees with your position it seems like you are more likely to be treated as a charity,” he said.
He said the decision to deregister it as a charity was partly because of their high profile in the debate to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples.
“Interestingly, the Charities Registration Board began investigating Family First NZ’s status as a charity in the month following the start of the marriage debate in August 2012. Although its investigation was to be completed by February 2013, the Board held off its notification until the marriage debate ended,” he said.
Mr McCoskrie also questioned whether charities supporting a redefinition of marriage have been subject to the same level of scrutiny so there’s a level playing field and open debate.
He said its deregistration would have devastating effects on its capacity.
“No longer will we be exempt from income tax, and donations to Family First NZ will no longer qualify for the donation rebate. This is despite it being a non-profit organisation funded purely by donations and gifts, and relying heavily on volunteer time,” he said.
Mr McCoskrie has promised to “continue to represent and be a voice for a massive proportion of New Zealanders on many social and family issues” even if the organisation loses its charitable status. The Seventh World Congress of Families Sydney 2013 http://wcfsydney2013.org.au/ runs from 15-18th of May. It's the largest gathering of pro-family leaders in academia, education, politics, business, medicine, media, culture, religion and law. The Congress seeks to strengthen the natural family, the economy and civil society. <저작권자 ⓒ christianreview 무단전재 및 재배포 금지>
|
|
