IRS revokes 'Pray away gay' group's tax-exempt status

A prominent “pray away the gay” group might have done well directing a few Hail Marys to the taxman.

On Monday, the IRS notified the public that it has revoked The National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality’s (NARTH) tax-exempt status for failure to file proper forms for three consecutive years, according to psychology professor Warren Throckmorton, who focuses on sexual identity, religion and public policy.

While NARTH “respect[s] the right of all individuals to choose their own destiny,” the group -- like similar ones across the country -- believes that being gay is purely a choice. NARTH, according to its website, is a “professional, scientific organization that offers hope to those who struggle with unwanted homosexuality” disseminating “educational information, conduct and collect scientific research, promote effective therapeutic treatment, and provide referrals to those who seek our assistance.”

The IRS’ revocation occurred in September 2012. NARTH’S loss of its tax-exempt status is but one small blip in recent battles regarding the controversial “reparative therapy.”

In October 2012, California banned the practice of this gay conversion therapy when used on minors -- the first ever of such legislation in the country. Then in December, a federal judge blocked the new law, which was set to go into effect, Jan. 1, 2013. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has taken the case and, on April 13, will begin oral arguments in San Francisco.

[Image via Flickr Creative Commons]