Monday, May 27, 2013

New Zealand Pro-Family Organization Appeals Its Deregistration By Charities Board

In New Zealand today, the organization Family First announced that it is filing an appeal with the High Court challenging the decision of New Zealand's  Charities Registration Board to deregister the organization as a charity.  The Charities Registration Board announced earlier this month that Family First, which promotes a traditional definition of marriage and family, does not meet the charitable purposes requirement set out in the Charities Act 2005. The Board explained:
The Board’s position is that Family First's main purpose is to promote particular points of view about family life.  Under the Act promotion of a controversial point of view is a political purpose.
In making its decision the Board determined that Family First does not advance religion or education, nor promote a benefit to all New Zealanders as determined by the Act.
ONE News, reporting on the decision to file the lawsuit, quotes the head of Family First who says that the government's decision is highly politicized.