Iowa Religious Freedom Act Used For The First Time In Court

(Des Moines) An Iowa administrative law judge ruled that a church can claim a home as part of its ministry, allowing churches to avoid property taxes. The ruling will go under the new Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The case arose from a petition by Marion residents questioning the tax exemption for a Pastor’s home. The judge’s ruling emphasized that citizens cannot challenge religious-based tax exemptions. The church’s attorney lauded the decision as a victory for religious rights.