FREDERICTON — A New Brunswick judge has dismissed the appeal of an anti-abortionist who refuses to file income tax returns in protest of government-funded abortions.
David Little, 62, formerly of Fredericton but now living on Prince Edward Island, was convicted last year for failing to file tax returns for the years 2000, 2001 and 2002.
He says because some of his tax dollars go to fund abortions, it constitutes a violation of his freedom of religion.
Mr. Little is a Roman Catholic, and says he will never file his tax returns and never pay $3,000 in fines imposed by the court for the Income Tax Act violations.
Judge Hugh McLellan of the Court of Queen's Bench says while Mr. Little made an interesting religious and political argument, he didn't make a valid legal argument.
Outside the court, Mr. Little said he would continue to fight his case all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada if necessary.
Jail him til he pays his fair share like the rest of us, says I.
There are many things that governments spend $$ on that disagree with citizens' beliefs, but the system doesn't work if we let everyone pick and choose whether to pay or what to pay for.
10-24-2008, 20:01
PanzerJaeger
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
I can see where he's coming from. In his eyes, his money is supporting the murder of thousands of babies - definitely a cardinal sin. It's much different than, say, not wanted to support the welfare system.
10-24-2008, 20:07
TevashSzat
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanzerJaeger
I can see where he's coming from. In his eyes, his money is supporting the murder of thousands of babies - definitely a cardinal sin. It's much different than, say, not wanted to support the welfare system.
But.....if you take it too far....
I could technically say that the US government is indirectly causing the death of millions in Africa by not spending a greater amount of money trying to help out those in Africa who are dying for starvation or easily preventable diseases. Since my money isn't being used to help those who are truly needy and just end up in 700 billion bailout packages, do I have the right to not to pay taxes? Would I be right if I instead gave all the money I would have paid in taxes to charities that help those suffering in Africa?
10-24-2008, 20:14
PanzerJaeger
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
Quote:
Originally Posted by TevashSzat
But.....if you take it too far....
I could technically say that the US government is indirectly causing the death of millions in Africa by not spending a greater amount of money trying to help out those in Africa who are dying for starvation or easily preventable diseases. Since my money isn't being used to help those who are truly needy and just end up in 700 billion bailout packages, do I have the right to not to pay taxes? Would I be right if I instead gave all the money I would have paid in taxes to charities that help those suffering in Africa?
I agree with you and Goof. I'm just saying this isn't hard to grasp coming from a devout Catholic.
10-24-2008, 22:32
Goofball
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanzerJaeger
I agree with you and Goof. I'm just saying this isn't hard to grasp coming from a devout Catholic.
I can see that, but as even the Catholic hierarchy recognizes the principle of rendering unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, this guy's effort to me seems like he is really only trying get out of paying taxes in perpetuity.
And your point is correct about somebody's feelings about supporting the welfare system or not being different from this, as this is a religious principle. But how about all of the Quaker's in the U.S. that still have to pay taxes to support the war machine?
10-24-2008, 22:39
ICantSpellDawg
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
He has a point, but it won't go anywhere. He should just let his voice be heard and get the government to stop financing abortions. The give to Caesar what is Caesars argument is fine, but only from a religious angle.
10-24-2008, 23:57
Evil_Maniac From Mars
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
I'm against a lot of things that my tax dollars go to, but I still pay them. If you don't want to pay some taxes, get politically involved to get rid of those taxes.
10-25-2008, 07:29
HoreTore
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
Quote:
Originally Posted by Evil_Maniac From Mars
I'm against a lot of things that my tax dollars go to, but I still pay them. If you don't want to pay some taxes, get politically involved to get rid of those taxes.
Indeedily. Civil disobedience is well and good. Thinking that you won't face any consequences from civil disobedience however, that's just retarded.
10-25-2008, 07:35
CountArach
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
Quote:
Originally Posted by PanzerJaeger
I can see where he's coming from. In his eyes, his money is supporting the murder of thousands of babies - definitely a cardinal sin. It's much different than, say, not wanted to support the welfare system.
I don't like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which have seen the murder of thousands of innocents - should I pay taxes?
10-25-2008, 14:05
Rhyfelwyr
Re: Anti-abortionist must pay taxes, says court
He should just pay the taxes or leave the country.
