Fla. Christian Theme Park Dodges Property Tax

[Gold9472]

Fla. Christian Theme Park Dodges Property Tax

http://www.newsnet5.com/travelgetawa...06/detail.html

UPDATED: 1:49 pm EDT July 12, 2005

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Florida judge has ruled in favor of a Christian theme park seeking an exemption from property taxes.

The Holy Land Experience in Orlando is operated by a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian ministry called Zion's Hope, which is devoted to converting Jews to Christianity.

It had been granted only limited exemptions for administrative and education facilities.

The Orange County Property Appraiser's office had denied the group's broader request in 2001, arguing the park was a tourist attraction rather than a church.

But Judge Cynthia MacKinnon said all of the park is tax-exempt.
In her ruling, the judge said Zion's Hope is using The Holy Land Experience "to spread what it considers to be God's word."

The park features scenes from ancient Jerusalem and biblical settings complete with costumed characters.

The $16 million, 15-acre park opened in 2001.

[jetsetlemming]

That's pretty funny. I'm not sure why it's relavent, though. Do you disagree with the ruling?

[Gold9472]

It's just more evidence of how religion is above the law.

[jetsetlemming]

Other groups get the same kinds of benifits, like charities.

[Gold9472]

Yes, but most charities give money away to "worthwhile" causes, whereas religious organizations take money. The Vatican is one of the richest organizations in the world.

[jetsetlemming]

Can't argue with you there. You could say, however, that the churches do give back to the people, spritually, but you'd have to be a believer for that.

[jetsetlemming]

I think I prefer the religous groups to the athiest ones, though. They use the law to agrivate and get their way over other people more often and in stupider ways.

[jetsetlemming]

And a lot of charities poorly manage their donations, especially government run charities, which average about 40 cents per dollar actually going to the cause, I think. It might be less.

[Gold9472]

You're absolutely right. There are several corrupt charities...

[Gold9472]

As far as believing in Religion... which religion are you referring to? The one that binds your family, the one that helps you get through the "tough times" with prayers, or... the one that says homosexuals aren't human beings, that pornography is not a form of expression, that abortion should not be allowed, etc...?

I put this amusement park in the category of the latter...