WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court voted Friday to hear a potentially far-reaching claim of religious freedom and decide whether church-sponsored charities, programs and businesses may refuse to pay state unemployment taxes for their employees.
All states exempt churches and church programs from the taxes if they “operate primarily for religious purposes.” But they usually require affiliated schools, colleges, hospitals and other businesses to pay unemployment taxes if they are open to all and do not offer worship services or religious training.
In a case from Wisconsin, the justices will reconsider that approach and decide whether instead to require the states to defer to religious authorities. The appeal that will be heard argues the government may not “second-guess the religious decisions” of church authorities who seek an exemption.
The dispute began with Black River Industries, Barron County Developmental Services and…
