
End the privileged status of religion in charity law
https://www.bchumanist.ca/religion_charity_petition
By BC Humanist
Canada’s charity laws still treat religion as an automatic public good — and that’s costing everyone. Under current rules, “advancement of religion” is a charitable purpose by default, giving religious groups tax breaks worth billions every year. This means all taxpayers, regardless of belief, are indirectly funding private religious activities. A Parliamentary Committee has already recommended change, and now it’s time for action. The BC Humanist Association is calling on the federal government to update the Income Tax Act so that only organizations providing real, community-wide benefits qualify as charities. Religious groups that run shelters, food banks, or other community programs would still qualify — but proselytizing would no longer be subsidized. Sign the petition and help make charity law fair for everyone.
