The National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, perhaps America’s most prominent ex-gay group, has had its tax-exempt status revoked by the IRS because it has failed to file the correct paperwork for the past three years.
A notice posted on the Internal Revenue Service website indicates the revocation was only made public this week: It’s effective as of September 15, 2012—which means donors may think their contributions are tax-deductible when they’re not. (The IRS does note the information is historical and its status may have been subsequently restored.)
“NARTH’s work throughout the years has amounted to child abuse in every sense of the word,” said HRC director Chad Griffin. “The IRS is just the latest organization to take a death blow at NARTH.”
These are not good time for the ex-gay movement: California passed a ban on using reparative therapy on minors, which NARTH admits is at least half of its clientele. In fact, the group is practically bankrupting itself trying to get that ban overturned.
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In 2010, NARTH founder and psychologist George Rekers was found to be traveling with a male escort he found on Rentboy.com and resigned.
Another ex-gay cabal, Americans For Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH), also lost its tax-exempt status after failing to submit the right forms for several years. (It was later restored.)
Here’s a tip, anti-gay organizations: We know you were used to the Bush Administration letting you get away with murder. But there’s a new sheriff in town—actually, not so new anymore—and he’s got his eye on you.
Cam
I’m curious, why did it take 3 years?
1EqualityUSA
I want to see any churches involved in politics lose their tax exempt status. It’s madness that our taxes are funding people who hate us and want to legally undermine us at every turn. Perhaps that’s the next generation’s fight, until the lemmings die off, we may be stuck with political machines entwining themselves into politics.
Polaro
Lots of these political groups cloaked in non-profit status need to be addressed. And, also of them are churches.
MuscleModelBlog.com
As others have said, it is incredible the amount of power that churches have in politics. While that has been good at times in the past (ie. Black churches in the Civil Rights Movement), churches can also help politicians deny equal rights for sexual minorities. It’s a tough situation.
queerty1958
I believe in homosexual therapy. I find that having sex with my man to be very therapeutic! Anyone else?
2eo
@1EqualityUSA: I want to see ALL religious organisations lose their tax exempt status in absolutely every way. There is no reason for them to not pay.