Atheists Lose on Religious Group Tax Exemptions

An atheist group has lost its lawsuit challenging the tax exemptions for churches and religious groups.

U.S. District Judge William O. Bertelsman in Kentucky dismissed the suit from American Atheists, a group based in New Jersey.

The group sued the Internal Revenue Service last year, saying that tax-exempt status given to religious organizations is discriminatory and should be ruled unconstitutional.

But Judge Bertelsman found the regulations for tax-exempt organizations don't favor any group over another.

"At this point, the atheists have no idea whether they could gain classification as a church or religious organization under (the tax code) because they have never sought such a classification," Bertelsman wrote in his ruling.

American Atheists President Dave Silverman said the organization will appeal.

"We're going to keep fighting," he said.