25 conservative groups file
lawsuit against IRS for targeting them
Lifenews – Steven Ertelt –
5/29/2013
Sekulow told LifeNews: “As
this unconstitutional scheme continues even today, the only way to stop this
flagrant and arrogant abuse of our clients’ rights is to file a federal
lawsuit, which we have done. The lawsuit sends a very powerful message to the
IRS and the Obama Administration – including the White House: Americans are not
going to be bullied and intimidated by our government. They will not be
subjected to unconstitutional treatment and unlawfully singled out and punished
because of their ideological beliefs. Those responsible for this unprecedented
intimidation ploy must be held accountable.”
Sekulow says the lawsuit
requests a declaratory judgment that the Defendants unlawfully delayed and
obstructed the organizations’ applications for a determination of tax-exempt
status by means of conduct that was based on unconstitutional criteria and
impermissibly disparate treatment of the groups. The suit also seeks injunctive
relief to protect our clients – and their officers and directors – from further
IRS abuse or retaliation. Further, the lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive
monetary damages to be determined at trial at a later date.
In the lawsuit, the ACLJ
cites six counts arguing the federal government violated the Constitution,
federal law, and even its own rules and regulations.
The ACLJ represents a total
of 25 organizations in the lawsuit, with additional groups likely to be added
to the suit as it progresses. Of the 25 groups, 13 organizations received
tax-exempt status after lengthy delays, 10 are still pending, and two withdrew
applications because of frustration with the IRS process.
Lawsuit – 29-page PDF
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